Preventing America from Defaulting On Our Debts
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, I voted in support of the bipartisan debt limit agreement negotiated by President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy to raise the debt limit and avoid a default on America’s debts.
This legislation will allow the federal government to pay its debts, meet its responsibilities to the American people, and continue carrying out programs that millions rely upon. While this agreement is far from perfect, it is vastly superior to a catastrophic default.
The primary goal of House Democrats was to preserve all that we achieved in the 117th Congress, and we largely succeeded. We protected our veterans and achieved full funding for those who have been exposed to toxic substances and burn pits. And, according to the Congressional Budget Office, 78,000 more veterans, homeless, and foster youth will have access to nutrition assistance each month.
Rep. Mike Levin Speaks on the House Floor in Opposition to Allowing the U.S. to Default
WATCH HERE
It is important to put this agreement in context. House Republicans wanted a 22 percent across-the-board cut to federal agencies’ budgets and programs that help Americans make ends meet. Due to the leadership of House Democrats and President Biden, that will not happen.
Although I voted in support of the agreement, I have strong concerns about major elements of this bill, including potentially damaging energy and environmental policies, including a deeply concerning study on electricity transmission, as well as additional work requirements for SNAP.
I am also troubled by the lack of protections for veterans’ programs that are not directly under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While VA will not be subject to damaging caps, there are dozens of programs that impact veterans operated by other federal agencies, like housing vouchers for homeless veterans at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), that may be in jeopardy of cuts.
Ultimately, I voted yes because it was the responsible thing to do. This agreement does not include the most extreme demands of House Republicans who wanted to hold our economy hostage. With this vote, we honored the country’s full faith and credit and avoided catastrophic economic damage. At the same time, I will never stop fighting to combat food insecurity, address the climate crisis, and ensure our veterans receive the benefits and support they have earned through service to our nation.
As always, it's an honor to represent you in Congress. Remember to follow my Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages, and sign up for my e-newsletter for the latest updates from my office.
Sincerely,
Mike Levin
Member of Congress