Rep. Matt Salmon statement on bill to open government, raise debt ceiling
Oct 16, 2013, 6:49 PM | Updated: 6:49 pm
Editor’s note: This statement from Rep. Matt Salmon was released Wednesday after the Senate passed a bill that would both end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling.
It has not been altered in any way.
“I have been very clear from the beginning of this debate, I would have supported a resolution that accomplished three objectives: ended the government shutdown, protected Arizonans from the devastating effects of Obamacare and reduced our government’s addiction to spending before we increased our borrowing authority and added to a $17 trillion debt.
“While this bill does end the shutdown, it fails to offer any protection for my constituents from Obamacare, nor does it put in place systematic reforms to change the trajectory of our mandatory spending. Consequently, I cannot support it.
“Sadly, the reality is this bill does what Washington is good at – kick the can down the road for another day.
“This is a shame. Yet another opportunity for the President and Congress to come together, address our problems and enact reforms to put America on the right path has been wasted.
“The President said he would negotiate with Republicans only after Congress ended the shutdown and lifted the debt ceiling. After tonight’s vote and upon his signing this bill into law, he’ll have an opportunity to make good on that promise.
“Obamacare’s start has been nothing but a disaster. More Americans are learning each day that their healthcare premiums are rising, their network of physicians is being restricted and their hours at work are being cut. Even worse, Americans are still being forced into this disaster despite the fact that big corporations, Congress and the President and his administration are exempted.
“At the same time, our national debt continues to rise at a rate of over $3 billion per day.
“The American people elected us to work together and find solutions to these problems, not kick the can down the road and leave it for our children and grandchildren to solve.
“I remain 100% committed to working with anyone, Republican, Democrat or Independent, to provide protection and fairness under Obamacare and finally put an end to the fiscal recklessness and irresponsibility that plagues the future of our nation.”
