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Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Statement on Republican Bill to Default on America

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted against H.R. 2811, House Republicans’ extreme bill that increases the risk of economic disaster for America and Americans.  

“The United States must pay its bills, and Congress must make it possible to do so,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “It is irresponsible to put at risk the full faith and credit of the United States, which is precisely what House Republicans are doing, threatening default for the first time in our history.  Congress has consistently passed legislation to increase the debt limit without strings attached—including three times during the previous administration.  Congress can and should have serious and meaningful conversations about our spending priorities, financial tools, and national debt.  Today’s bill is not one of them.  It is fiscally irresponsible, making devastating cuts to federal programs while risking default and recession.  For these reasons, I voted no today.” 

If enacted, H.R. 2811 would reduce job growth, resulting in 780,000 fewer jobs by the end of 2024, and would meaningfully increase the risk of recession, according to a Moody’s Analytics analysis.  The bill would require an across-the-board 22 percent cut to government programs, including programs for veterans, law enforcement, health care, K-12 education, and more. 

In contrast, legislation passed under the control of House Democrats have already cut deficit spending by historic levels and President Biden’s proposed budget reduces deficits by $3 trillion more over the next 10 years while investing in America – lowering costs by making child care, health care, and housing more affordable, supporting better schools, and strengthening our infrastructure.