“Now is the time to put politics aside, and do what’s best for the country. 

Congress and the President must do more”

Spokane, WA – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement after Standard and Poor announced that they are lowering the U.S. long-term credit rating from AAA to AA+.

"Friday’s announcement is no surprise to those of us who have been warning about the consequences of record spending, borrowing and deficits throughout the years.

“I have a solid and consistent record voting against record spending and borrowing by both parties — including the $700 billion bank and auto bailouts, and President Obama’s $800 billion stimulus package.

“Last Monday, I supported and the House passed, the Budget Control Act, a debt ceiling agreement that cut $2.4 trillion in government spending and implemented spending controls without raising taxes.

“The Act also calls for a vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment, and it’s vitally important that Congress seize this opportunity to pass the Amendment and send it to the states.

“Earlier this year the House passed a budget that cut $6 trillion in spending over the next decade, however the Senate has refused to act on the measure.

“Moving forward, I will work closely with the newly formed bi-partisan debt commission to identify more specific areas that we can cut and other reforms that may be instituted to get this crisis under control.  The bipartisan debt commission should look for savings beyond the minimum of $1.5 trillion required in the law to further reductions and elimination of our deficits.

“I am also calling on President Obama to join us in meeting this challenge. Solving the deficit crisis will strengthen our leadership around the world and free our children and grandchildren from the burden of a crushing debt. Now is the time to put politics aside and do what’s best for the country.”

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