Statement from Congressman Dan Goldman on the Bipartisan Budget Act

Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today issued the following statement on the Bipartisan Budget Act:

“Raising the debt limit is Congress’ constitutional duty, yet House Republicans disgracefully used it as an opportunity to take the American people hostage to extract concessions that they otherwise could not have gotten through the normal legislative process. In light of House Republicans’ failure to do their duty, I applaud President Biden and Democratic leadership for putting the American people over cynical politics by ensuring that we raise the debt ceiling, avoid economic catastrophe, and preserve many of the hard-won victories Democrats delivered in the last Congress.

“But there are several elements of this agreement that would hurt New Yorkers, harm the environment, and favor wealthy tax cheats over our underserved communities, all of which I cannot support. That is why I felt compelled to vote no.

“NYCHA tenants, 9/11 survivors and first responders, and the most vulnerable families in our community rely on the federal government to fulfill its promises. The spending caps imposed by this bill would hamstring vital programs that keep New York families safe, secure, and thriving.

“I am also deeply concerned by provisions in this agreement that would significantly obstruct our efforts to fight back against the existential threat of climate change, especially in environmental justice communities.

“This hostage-taking by House Republicans sets a dangerous precedent for our country. House Republicans were willing to tank the American economy on the backs of the most vulnerable among us. President Biden and the Democratic Party are solely responsible for ensuring that we do not default on our debts, which would have led to much greater suffering than this bill will inflict.

I urge the President to pursue alternative measures to address the debt ceiling in the future so that the American people are not subject to such an extortion again.”

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