Rep. Carter Votes Against Default on America Act

Rep. Carter Votes Against Default on America Act

Bill Will Devastate Everyday Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) voted against the Default on America Act. This legislation presents Americans with a terrible choice: either House Republicans will wreck our economy or inflict cruel cuts that hurt everyday people.

“Congress MUST pay our bills and prevent a devastating default on our debt. But House Republicans are threatening to wreck our economy unless they can force cruel cuts that hurt families in LA-02,” said Rep. Carter. “Democrats are ready to act NOW to prevent a default on our debt, continue our historic deficit reduction, and responsibly invest in America to lower costs and create better paying jobs. It is time to STOP the political games and save our economy.”

House Democrats have already cut the deficit by historic levels and President Biden’s budget reduces deficits by $3 trillion more over the next 10 years while investing in America – lowering costs by making childcare, health care, and housing more affordable, supporting better schools, and strengthening our infrastructure.

Background

By refusing to act now to prevent a default, House Republicans are threatening an economic disaster that will hurt everyday Americans. In LA-02, a default on our debt would:

• Kill 6,700 jobs as unemployment doubles;
• Threaten the retirement savings of 99,100 people near retirement;
• Put Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs health benefits at risk for 388,000 people; and
• Jeopardize Social Security payments for 91,000 seniors.

But the Default on America Act is no alternative. In Louisiana, the extreme House Republican scheme would: 

• Put 287,000 people at risk of losing Medicaid coverage;
• Threaten access to food assistance for 17,000 people aged 50-55;
• Eliminate preschool and childcare for at least 6,400 children;
• Increase housing costs for at least 12,800 people; and
• Make college more expensive for at least 108,800 students.

Data Provided By The Joint Economic Committee, White House, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Third Way, Climate Power, and Moody's Analytics.

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