WASHINGTON, DC—In response to reports this week that House Speaker John Boehner may not even hold a vote on whether to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) reiterated his call for a clean up or down vote to prevent the United States government from defaulting on its loans. Himes has been an outspoken advocate for responsible action to ensure the United States is able to meet its financial obligations.
“The Speaker is taking partisanship to a new low by playing chicken with the full faith and credit of the United States government,” said Himes. “The stability of the world financial markets rests on responsible action by Members of Congress who will put aside political posturing for the financial security of our nation. Speaker Boehner must stand up to the Tea Party and hold an up or down vote on the debt ceiling.”
Despite the severe repercussions associated with a default by the United States government, the Speaker has considered tying a debt limit vote to other controversial proposals, if he holds a vote at all. Since Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s announcement that the United States will likely reach the debt ceiling by May 16, Himes has been urging his colleagues to support a clean vote on the matter. He has appeared on national television, spoken out in local news reports, and, along with over 100 of his colleagues, sent a letter to Speaker Boehner asking for a swift vote on the matter.