NEW: Whitehouse—Debt Vote ‘Difficult and Unpleasant’
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has issued a statement on the debt vote, saying there was much he didn’t like about it, but that it was necessary to avoid a default on the country’s financial obligations.
Whitehouse said the compromise plan is “far from perfect” but he said it reduces deficits and avoids cuts to benefits for seniors. He faulted it for doing “nothing to close one single tax giveaway to special interests and billionaires.”
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“This is a difficult and unpleasant vote, but the House Republicans threat to put the country into default must be avoided. The President’s plan is far from perfect, but we must avoid default.
“Throughout this debate, I’ve heard from seniors asking me to fight against cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits. I was proud to lead that fight in the Senate, and the good news is that this plan doesn’t make any cuts to benefits for our seniors.
“I also heard from many people in Rhode Island who are frustrated that this does nothing to close one single tax giveaway to special interests and billionaires. All I can say is that we didn’t win today but I’ll continue fighting with all my heart to end these sweetheart deals for the special interests and close the loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas.
“Most important, with the threat of government default removed, it is time for Congress to take on the most important issue facing Rhode Island: growing our economy and creating jobs.”
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