Let’s focus on creating jobs, not playing chicken with the debt ceiling

Instead of forcing drastic cuts on the middle class that will increase the ranks of the unemployed, I urge my colleagues to support the People’s Budget developed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Unlike the Republican budget, the People’s Budget balances the budget by 2021, creates jobs, and strengthens Medicare.

Republicans profess to be against deficits, but they are experts at creating and exacerbating deficits. The Bush administration’s two wars, reckless tax cuts for billionaires, and pharmaceutical giveaway left us with record deficits and an economy on the brink of collapse.  Not exactly a sterling track record. Now they’re doubling down on this bad track record by playing a game of chicken over the debt ceiling.

It’s time for House Republicans to increase the debt ceiling, get serious about governing, and focus on creating jobs.