WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rules Committee Ranking Member James P. McGovern (D-MA) released a statement on the new procedural steps House Democrats are taking to avoid a default on the federal debt:
“Yesterday, in step with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies, I introduced a special rule that sets in motion an alternative plan to prevent a default.
“The reality is that House Republicans have struggled to do the bare minimum since the 118th Congress began. They wasted a week fighting about who should be speaker, then wasted months negotiating with themselves about whether America should pay our bills.
“In contrast, Democrats and President Biden are prepared and have been eager and ready to avoid a catastrophic GOP Default on America. We knew the time would come when Democrats would have a responsibility to take action in the face of Speaker McCarthy’s incompetence.
“So, with the assistance of Rep. DeSaulnier, who introduced a bill months ago allowing us to save precious time and move as quickly as possible, today we are moving forward with the discharge petition process to force a vote on debt ceiling legislation.
“It is a responsible, reasonable step forward that keeps our legislative options open as extreme MAGA Republicans continue to hold the American economy hostage.
“Monday’s announcement from Secretary Yellen highlights the high stakes for American families. A default would plunge us into a recession, crashing the stock market and driving up unemployment. Republicans urgently need to join us and pass bipartisan legislation to pay America’s bills without extreme conditions. They started this default crisis, and they need to end it for the good of the country.”
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