07/19/2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today will vote against a partisan measure introduced by House Republicans that raises the federal debt limit to record high levels and dramatically cuts federal law enforcement, border patrol, TSA and air traffic controllers, highway infrastructure, long-term veterans benefits, food inspection, and scientific and medical research.

"The so-called Cut, Cap and Balance Act is nothing more than political theater, designed to provide a politically expedient vote for the hard-right members of the pro-default wing of the Republican Party," said Congressman Altmire. "With the clock ticking away towards an unprecedented American default, the stakes are too high to play political games. We need to work to finalize real solutions, not pursue another meaningless red meat vote designed solely to appeal to a political base."

This year, Congressman Altmire co-sponsored H.J. Res 2, a bipartisan measure to balance the budget. It requires that federal spending for any fiscal year not exceed the total amount coming into the federal government. The measure is similar to legislation passed in the House in 1995, but fell short in the Senate. Congressman Altmire is also a co-sponsor of H.J. Res 10, a balanced budget amendment to the constitution. Together, these amendments made significant cuts in spending, without jeopardizing important programs to seniors and national security.