Friends,
For decades, Republicans have used the threat of a debt default and resulting economic catastrophe to demand concessions to their policy priorities.
Now, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is bringing this reckless strategy to new heights.
Recently, House Republicans passed a budget tied to increasing the debt ceiling that included MASSIVE cuts to key public programs that keep us safe, healthy, and prosperous. Their legislation is dangerous and wrong in every way possible.
Here in Virginia, the extreme House Republican plan would endanger public safety and worsen public health by cutting rail safety inspections, denying Virginians admissions to opioid treatment, and jeopardizing air safety by shutting down at least two air traffic control towers in our commonwealth.
Their reckless plan would raise costs for Virginia families and students by eliminating 4,900 preschool and childcare slots, stripping food assistance from 200,000 Virginians, making college more expensive, and raising housing costs.
The GOP’s budget would harm Virginia seniors by worsening Social Security and Medicare assistance wait times.
And if they don’t get their way, they’re prepared to tank the American economy by plunging our government into default.
If you feel like this is a story you’ve seen before, it’s because you have. We all remember when President Obama tried to negotiate with House Speaker John Boehner over whether or not to default on our debt. The GOP’s refusal to put country over party badly damaged the U.S. economy and our standing in the world.
We cannot allow that to happen again. Add your name to our petition now calling on Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans to vote on a clean bill to prevent a disastrous debt default—without these harmful cuts.
