Statement on the Temporarily Raising the Debt Ceiling

Washington, DC (January 23, 2013) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on House Republicans temporary debt limit vote:

"Today House Republicans decided to take up a bill that would temporarily address the debt limit, merely shifting the deadline until mid-May. Instead of addressing the crisis immediately, this temporary measure proposes holding the country hostage four months down the road instead of today. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell recently said, 'It's time to stop governing by crisis and stop-gap measure.'

"I am disappointed that House Republicans continue to play partisan political games at the expense of our economy. American families, businesses, and Medicare and Social Security recipients deserve an end to this perpetual uncertainty. Congress must assure that the United States will pay the bills we have incurred, and we should be passing a long-term clean debt ceiling increase."

###