NTU urges all Representatives to vote “NO” on S. 540, “Temporary Debt Limit Extension Act,” which would suspend the federal government’s borrowing limit through March 15, 2015.
Congress is once again facing the need to suspend the debt limit in order to continue feeding the federal government’s insatiable obligations. While considered merely an annoyance by some, the limit serves a functional purpose: to remind lawmakers and the American people of our nation’s chronic fiscal mismanagement. Hitting the debt ceiling should be an impetus for a serious conversation about the long-term sustainability of our nation’s budget policy. Such was the case in 2011 when Congress passed the Budget Control Act, an imperfect but effective tool for curbing overspending.
This year, as the limit approached, most Democrats refused to discuss the debt problem at all. Republicans opted to stress important, though mostly unrelated policy goals, thus failing to focus on the key issue at hand. The actions of many members in both parties have therefore been irresponsible and have again afforded policymakers with little time to implement necessary spending reforms and reductions. They should make the time to do so now.
Roll call votes on S. 540 will be included in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress and a “NO” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Affairs Manager Nan Swift at (703) 683-5700