On the recordAugust 2, 2011
while this agreement to raise the debt ceiling and cut spending is far from perfect, it averts a financial catastrophe that would stifle job creation and stall our fragile economic growth. Default would have increased interest rates for every American with a mortgage, car loan, student debt or credit card. For these reasons, I voted to support this agreement. Critically, the deal protects Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and veterans from benefit cuts and leaves open future opportunities to fight tax loopholes, sweetheart deals and giveaways for special interests. I will certainly continue these fights and seek comprehensive tax reform to guarantee that there is a fair balance and truly shared sacrifice. Now more than ever, we must move to focus on our number one priority--creating jobs and spurring economic growth. Americans are still hurting, seeking to find work, stay in their homes, pay tuition for schools and keep their families together. We must put Connecticut and America back to work and get our country moving in the right direction.
