“This week, I stated that the Senate should take up the House’s clean bill to make sure the victims of Hurricane Harvey receive the assistance they need, and today I supported a measure that would do exactly that.
“Unfortunately a final deal was cut and while it includes initial relief funding, it also raises the debt limit and kicks the can down the road once again on our overall government spending levels. This is not the right way to legislate, and quite frankly, it is exactly what the American people are sick and tired of. I called for the August state work period to be canceled so that we could address issues such as the debt limit and our annual spending bills. Instead, Congress went home for several weeks when we should have been in Washington working to find solutions to many of these issues.
“Washington continues to raise the debt limit without addressing the spending problems, implementing spending reforms, or working toward a balanced budget. We must get back to regular order when it comes to the debt limit and the continuing resolution (CR), rather than using this disaster to cut backroom deals. That is unacceptable.
“The White House and this Congress must do better for the American people. I cannot support these efforts to raise the debt limit while failing to put into place any spending constraints or a clear path forward to get our debt under control.
“We are nearly $20 trillion in debt, and today Washington is showing little regard toward getting serious about cutting spending. All across Iowa, I hear from folks who have said enough is enough when it comes to our debt, and that we simply can’t continue spending money that we don’t have. I agree. Therefore, while I supported a standalone vote on Hurricane Harvey disaster relief funding, I cannot support a bloated overall deal that hands Washington another credit card without a limit and avoids the thoughtful legislating the American people expect from Congress.
“Yesterday, I called for the October state work period to be canceled, and after today’s disappointing outcome, I hope my colleagues will be willing to get to work on the incredible number of items at hand this fall.”
Background:
Senator Ernst supported an effort by Senator Sasse which would allow the Senate to pass funding for the victims of Hurricane Harvey as a standalone bill, without the debt limit or CR attached to it.
Senator Ernst voted against final passage of the bill which included increasing the debt limit and the CR.
