Press Releases

Today, Wednesday, October 16, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith said he will vote against raising the nation’s debt limit. In Congress just over four months, Smith has emerged as a leading voice in the House of Representatives for reducing the size and scope of the federal government. In a video to his constituents, Smith said while he supports ending President Obama’s shutdown, he believes Washington must address its spending addiction.

Click HERE to watch Congressman Jason Smith’s video message

“Today the House of Representatives will vote on legislation to extend our nation’s borrowing limit and end President Obama’s government shutdown. While I support ending the shutdown, I cannot support this legislation. Folks in Washington need to understand what families in Missouri already know, America has a serious spending problem. Only in Washington would the solution to a $16.7 trillion national debt be an increase in our borrowing limit. It’s time to cut up the credit cards and start living within our financial means,” said Smith. “During my campaign for Congress, I promised families in Missouri’s Eighth District that I would fight to change the way Washington does business. My vote against extending our nation’s borrowing limit, without making major cuts to federal spending, does just that. This vote will definitely not make me the most popular guy in Washington, but I am more concerned with the $52,870 share of the national debt already burdening every man, woman and child in America.”

Smith likened President Obama’s request for a clean debt ceiling increase to an individual wanting a loan with no money down, no repayment plan and no strings attached.

“President Obama has continually demanded a clean debt ceiling increase. That would be like a family back home in Missouri going to their local bank and asking for a loan with no money down, no repayment plan, and no strings attached. There is not a banker in Missouri who would make that loan. Yet, that is what President Obama has demanded and that is what this legislation will do,” said Smith. “In order to preserve the American Dream for future generations, we must end our nation’s spending addiction. It’s time to cut up the national credit card.”

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