Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Bipartisan Debt Ceiling Framework

Debt Ceiling Framework Proposes Steps for Avoiding a Default on National Debt

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus has announced its endorsement of a bipartisan debt ceiling framework comprised of steps to avoid defaulting on the national debt and advancing a sustainable budget.

Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) announced their support for the framework this morning.

“The debt ceiling and debt crisis demand a two-party solution,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “We must never allow our nation to default on our debt, we must never put our nation’s full faith and credit at risk, and we must insist on responsible budget reform measures. I am proud of our Caucus’ tireless work to find common ground on this bipartisan framework, which is the first of multiple steps in this process. I hope that our colleagues on both sides will join us in this mission.”

“I’m proud that the Problem Solvers Caucus was able to come together to draft and pass a debt ceiling framework that has support from both sides of the aisle. We can both suspend the debt ceiling and help prevent our nation’s economy from driving off a fiscal cliff — and address our nation’s longer-term fiscal health. It’s a false choice to say we can only do one or the other,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “Nobody should use the full faith and credit of the United States as a bargaining chip and I look forward to continuing our bipartisan work to prevent a debt crisis. We can protect Americans’ savings and our standing in the world.”

Congressmen Ed Case (HI-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02) co-led the Debt and Deficit Working Group, which is comprised of several Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus on both sides of the aisle.

“Congress has a duty to address the debt ceiling and ensure the full faith and credit of the United States, and our bipartisan framework provides a roadmap with which the President and Congressional leaders can chart a legislative path that will pass Congress,” said Congressman Ed Case (HI-01). “The debt ceiling crisis has been ushered in by decades of fiscal negligence that have repeatedly inflated our national debt past its statutory limit, and it is critical that we correct the path of our nation’s current debt and budget deficit so that we can sustain the programs that our communities rely on.”

“‘My way or the highway’ doesn’t work in divided government. Reasonable leaders find a smart middle ground, and we can do that when reducing the deficit and raising the debt ceiling. Common sense and stewardship of our country must prevail,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02).

The full framework can be reviewed here.

Background guidance on the debt ceiling framework can be found here.

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