Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011.

"In passing the commonsense Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011, the House today sent a message to President Obama and the American people that we will not consent to raise the debt ceiling without substantial spending cuts and fiscal reform," said Hultgren. "The American people know that Washington has a massive spending and debt problem that threatens not only our nation’s credit rating, but our fiscal future.

"It’s clear that Congress needs to cut spending to ensure that America remains strong and prosperous for future generations and we must fight both the threat of downgrade and the threat of default. This commonsense bill provides a guide to doing just that, without raising taxes on job creators.

"We must force this government to live within its means, preserve our nation’s sterling credit rating and fight for a brighter future for our kids and grandkids. I hope that the Senate will move quickly to consider and pass the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act, before Washington’s wasteful profligacy endangers our nation’s sterling AAA rating."

To watch Congressman Hultgren's statement on the House floor, click here.