Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) issued the following statement today after opposing a “clean” increase in the nation’s debt ceiling.

“I am pleased that the House so overwhelmingly rejected today’s bill," said Hultgren. "It sends a clear message to the Senate and Administration that this chamber will not acquiesce to the old business-as-usual practice of raising the debt ceiling as a matter of course.”

The legislation rejected by the House, H.R. 1954, would have implemented the President’s request for Congress to increase the statutory limit on public debt; the limit would have been raised by $2.4 trillion. The bill failed by a vote of 97-318-7.

“I look forward to reviewing any agreement reached by Congressional negotiators; I hope they understand that the House will only consider increasing the ceiling if the Senate and Administration agree to help return the United States to fiscal health,” said Hultgren.

Earlier in the day, Hultgren observed a debt auction, conducted by the Bureau of the Public Debt, a part of the U.S. Treasury.

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to observe today’s debt auction; it gave me valuable insights into an important part of our nation’s financial system and served as a reminder of the overwhelming amount of debt held by our nation.”