Dave Camp: “We have heard a lot of talk about how our Nation must pay its bills. But one major reason we are in this position is an…”

“We have heard a lot of talk about how our Nation must pay its bills. But one major reason we are in this position is an unpaid for trillion- dollar stimulus bill that did not increase economic growth, did not create jobs, and simply added to our debt. I know there are some on the other side who want to keep on spending no matter what the impact is on our credit rating. While I believe that we must increase our debt limit, I am clearly not satisfied that there are no provisions that would help us address the long-term drivers of this debt. But I will say that it is disappointing the Democrats have walked away from the table. It is disappointing that we are not engaged in a more serious debate today, a debate about policy and how we reign in what really has become runaway debt. But as I have said, as disappointed as I am in that, I cannot in good conscience let the Democrats' refusal to engage lead to a default. I will vote ``yes'' on this legislation today. But it is hardly a solution to our looming debt crisis. That is why the Ways and Means Committee will continue to move forward on reforming Medicare and Social Security, as we have, with bipartisan proposals that are in legislative form, published for the public to view on our Web site.…”