UPDATED 9:31 P.M.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – “This is a compromise that I can agree to.”
Those were some of the words Wednesday afternoon of 17th District Congressman Eric Sorensen, ahead of Wednesday night’s vote by the House to raise the debt ceiling and cut some government spending.
Sorensen says the debt ceiling bill is in no way perfect.
“One of the things that’s harder to swallow are the work requirements for food security,” said Sorensen (D-East Moline). “Throughout this process, I have opposed those work requirements for those folks that in their 50’s that are food insecure. We need to make sure that they’re taken care of.”
Sorensen is referring to a proposal that would expand work requirements to more low-income and older Americans in order to receive SNAP benefits. Sorensen says it appears such requirements will be phased in over time.
He says what’s most important, though, is that there has been plenty of compromise, even though some from both sides say there wasn’t enough.
“I’ve heard from so many people in our district that have talked all about compromise, from the day that I was sworn in to today,” said Sorensen. “It’s how we’re finding ways to work together. I believe what we’re going to vote on here (Wednesday night) is just that.”
Republicans have recently reminded the public of President Joe Biden’s claim that he would not negotiate on the debt ceiling. But, Sorensen says claims like that go both ways.
“This is what President Biden put in his budget back in March,” said Sorensen. “Republicans have yet to even release a budget. There would have been a way to come together sooner. But, the Republicans’ play was a non-starter.”
Sorensen cites GOP proposals like cutting veterans benefits. But, he admits there are things in the bill he’ll vote in favor of that he doesn’t like.
Meanwhile, after the House vote Wednesday night, 16th District Congressman Darin LaHood said he voted against the measure, one of few Republicans to vote against the bill.
“Illinois families who work hard must meet budgets and spend money within their means, and it is long past time that the federal government do the same,” said LaHood (R-Dunlap), in a news release. “That’s why I joined House Republicans to responsibly raise the debt limit and pass the Limit, Save, Grow Act last month, legislation to significantly reform Washington’s spending addiction.”
In the end, more Democrats voted in favor of the bill than Republicans, while not all Democrats voted in favor either. 165 Democrats voted yes, while 149 Republicans did, despite the Republican majority in the House.
“While I appreciate the hard work of Speaker McCarthy and Republican negotiators to force President Biden to the table and get Democrat concessions, I cannot support the agreement in its current form as the bill allows unlimited borrowing over the next two years and does not take long-term steps to address our debt crisis.
“Illinois families who work hard must meet budgets and spend money within their means, and it is long past time that the federal government do the same. That’s why I joined House Republicans to responsibly raise the debt limit and pass the Limit, Save, Grow Act last month, legislation to significantly reform Washington’s spending addiction.
“As I’ve listened to residents of central and northwestern Illinois this past week, it is clear that 16th District constituents do not want unlimited COVID-19 level deficit spending that continues to kick the can down the road and places the burden on our children and grandchildren.
“Therefore, I opposed the legislation.” — Rep. Darin LaHood
Tonight I voted 'yes' on a bill that while not perfect, prevents a default that would be catastrophic for #IL17 working families.
Now let's get back to work on creating good-paying jobs, making our communities safer and healthier, and lowering costs for families.
— Congressman Eric Sorensen (@RepEricSorensen) June 1, 2023
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