WASHINGTON, D.C. –Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement today after voting against a clean increase in the debt limit.

“Today Congress was forced to make a critical decision: to continue down the same path of fiscal irresponsibility, or make the tough choices necessary to change course and protect people all across this country.  We can continue to ignore the problem of out-of-control spending, or we can address it.  Unfortunately, the Democrats who run Washington refuse to seriously address our crushing debt in any other way than higher taxes, which isn’t fair to those in Eastern Washington and across America. If President Obama and the Democratic-controlled Senate refuse to address our spending addiction when a debt limit increase is requested, when will they?  I have long advocated for a Balanced Budget Amendment that would require Washington, DC to live within its means – just like families in Eastern Washington do around the kitchen table each month – and I hope today’s action will force that conversation.” 

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