Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement strongly urging House Republicans to allow a clean vote to raise the debt ceiling and avoid default:

“With just days left before default, it is time for Republicans to get serious and stop playing games with the livelihoods of American families. It’s bad enough that Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Cantor won’t allow a vote to re-open the federal government, but now Republicans are holding the full faith and credit of the United States hostage with yet another artificial crisis.

“I am increasingly alarmed that some members of the Republican party, despite the overwhelming opinion of experts and economists, incredulously believe that failing to raise the debt ceiling will not be devastating for the American and global economies. Raising the debt ceiling adds nothing to the national debt, and simply allows the U.S. Treasury to pay the bills for spending that Congress has already voted for and approved. Both Democrats and Republicans know this, which is why the debt ceiling has been raised 78 times since 1960.

“Defaulting on our obligations would have very severe ramifications. Every American will pay a price if House Republicans continue to play games and force a federal default. A default would mean that 4 million seniors and 260,000 veterans in Florida would not receive their Social Security or Veterans benefits. Florida homeowners would see their mortgages increase, and workers’ 401(k) and IRA accounts significantly shrink. We must not allow this to happen, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to stop undercutting the American people with partisan politics.”

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.

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