Ander Crenshaw Backs Deal to End Shutdown, Raise Debt Ceiling

U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., the chairman of the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, voted to support the agreement ending the federal shutdown and raising the debt ceiling. Crenshaw pointed to the dangers of letting the country default in explaining his vote.

The last few weeks have been long and challenging for the country, and today I supported an agreement to reopen the government, prevent default on our national debt, and preserve the savings that I fought to enact into law, Crenshaw said. The agreement that passed the House this evening suspends the debt limit through Feb. 7, 2014, and reopens government through Jan. 15, 2014, at current spending levels, not the higher levels the Senate had hoped for.

The underlying structural problems that surround Washingtons reckless spending patterns are also addressed in this legislation by requiring the House and Senate to work together to develop a budget agreement by Dec. 13th, Crenshaw added. I have heard from many of my constituents throughout this debate, and the focus of discussion has been rightly centered on Obamacare. This law is stifling our economy, killing jobs, driving up premiums, and forcing people off the health care plans they have and like. I still maintain that the Affordable Care Act is bad for this country, it is a flawed law, and its disastrous roll-out is a sign of even worse things to come.

However, todays debate needs to be rightly focused on reopening the government, avoiding default, and protecting the historic spending cuts we achieved over the last few years, Crenshaw insisted in conclusion.