Cole Votes Against Raising Debt Ceiling

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the voting against H.R. 1954 - a bill to implement the president's request to increase the statutory limit on the public debt.

"Today's vote sends a clear signal to the markets and to the American people that we are serious about cutting spending. No longer will it be a matter of routine for Congress to automatically vote to raise the debt limit.

"Now that the president's request for a 'clean' debt ceiling increase has been defeated, maybe he will offer a more realistic proposal. Any debt limit bill that is not accompanied by significant and lasting spending cuts will be rejected as irresponsible."