Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Avoiding a Catastrophic Debt Default

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement in response to a letter sent by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen detailing that the U.S. will reach the statutory debt limit and begin extraordinary measures next week:

“The time is now for Congress to approve legislation that would prevent the United States from risking a catastrophic default. As legislators, we must uphold our responsibility to protect the country’s full faith and credit. A default forced by extreme MAGA Republicans would bring the economy to the brink of collapse creating higher costs for America’s working families on everything from groceries to mortgages and credit card interest rates.

“The debt ceiling has been raised in previous years when Republicans had majorities in Congress and when Trump served in office. This time should be no different.

“Democrats are committed to passing measures that address the debt limit so there isn’t a default. We believe that it is our country’s responsibility to serve our veterans, seniors, and taxpayers by working to protect their benefits and not stripping them away.

“House Republicans should do the same.”

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