Washington, D.C., July 29, 2011 -

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-09) issued the following statement after voting against S. 627 (as amended), a bill to raise the debt ceiling:

“As always, I cast this vote based on my conscience, constituents, and country.   It’s long past time to fundamentally change Washington and reform our federal government into a responsible servant of the taxpayers.  My neighbors in North Georgia overwhelmingly agree, and in keeping the promises of my campaign and the mission given to me as their representative, I cannot approve of a debt limit increase without a sincere solution for our spending-driven debt crisis.

“Despite the Speaker’s hard work and good intentions, it’s clear to me that the policy before the House today does not match the size of the problem we face.  This bill immediately gives President Obama a $900 billion increase in the debt ceiling, but only provides $7 billion in savings for the American people next year.  The addition of a balanced budget amendment is a welcome change, but it is triggered only after the debt limit is increased.  America needs a plan for long-term success, not a compromise for short-term comfort.

“I continue to stand by the Cut, Cap, and Balance approach because it remains the only available option that ends the debt crisis and preserves America’s credit rating.  Most importantly, this approach is designed to take power from the government and give it back to the American people.  It’s time to learn from the failed compromises of the past.  It’s time to pass a policy that marginalizes the federal government so the private sector can expand and create the jobs our country desperately needs.”

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