Michigan Congresswoman Against Raising National Debt Ceiling
LANSING (WWJ) - The debate over raising the debt limit is back, as House Republicans vote on a measure to block the increase on Wednesday.
Michigan Congresswoman Candice Miller tells WWJ, she hasn't heard what she's wanted from President Barack Obama.
"I certainly understand, believe me I do, that America must pay its obligations, of course. But, I also understand that we need to get a handle on our national debt. I really would have hoped that the president would have made this request for raising the debt ceiling limit at the same time that he was also making recommendations on significant spending cuts," said Miller.
A bipartisan agreement was reached over the summer to automatically raise the government's borrowing cap unless Congress votes otherwise.
Miller said she's saying no to a debt limit increase and that congress is willing to work with the president on the issue.
"Believe me, there is a lot of good will in Congress that we could work together to try to solve some of the fiscal crisis that we have right now, and if the president is taking a pass at this opportunity, of course next week is his state of the union speech, so I hope he'll offer some proposals then for deficit reduction," said Miller.
Under the current law, the debt ceiling is automatically raised 15 days after the president officially notifies lawmakers that the government is close to the current cap.
