Se Denver News

Washington, D.C. — On May 22, 2023, Earlier this week, Congressman Joe Neguse, Chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, joined the House Democratic Caucus’ weekly press conference to speak out against House Republicans’ widely unpopular Default on America Act.

“The only group in Washington threatening a default are House Republicans, no one else. House Democrats from day one have made clear our obligation to pay our bills, to do the right thing by the American people, and prevent a disastrous default. Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans have taken the exact opposite approach. They have manufactured a crisis, forced a false choice on the American people: To choose between draconian cuts in the Default on America Act, on one hand, or a catastrophic default on the other. And now attempting to leverage this crisis of their own making,” said Congressman Neguse. 

He continued: “…there was some polling that came out just a few days ago – and I would encourage all of you to take a look. It shows what we all know to be true, which is that the Default on America Act is deeply unpopular with the American public. Fifty-eight percent of Americans, when they find out what is in that disastrous bill, oppose it. That includes, by the way, thirty-two percent of Republicans – one-third of Republicans across the country. Why is that? Of course the reason is obvious, because their bill would lay off teachers, lay off first responders, strip away food assistance for millions of families across the country, impose draconian cuts on health care for seniors and so many others.”

His full remarks are below and can be watched HERE.  

The Default on America Act pushes for cruel cuts that hurt everyday Americans. If enacted the bill would result in: 

780,000 fewer jobs by the end of 2024; 

200,000 children lose access to Head Start slots and 180,000 children lose access to child care; 

1.7 million women, infants, and children would lose vital nutrition assistance; 

More than 600,000 families would lose access to rental assistance; 

30 million fewer veteran outpatient visits, and 81,000 jobs lost across the Veterans Health Administration;

And a $17 billion cut in funding for federal law enforcement, courts, and prisons that support public safety. 

If the House Republicans’ Default on America Act were implemented, the results would be catastrophic for Coloradans in the 2nd District. This bill would:

Put 290,000 people at risk of losing Medicaid coverage in Colorado.

Threaten access to food assistance for 11,000 people aged 50-55 in Colorado.

Eliminate preschool and child care for at least 3,500 children in Colorado.

Increase housing costs for at least 8,100 people in Colorado.

Make college more expensive for at least 117,400 students in Colorado.

Eliminate at least 3 air traffic control towers in Colorado. 

“Thank you first and foremost, Vice Chair Lieu and Chairman Aguilar for your leadership. I want to underscore – or start rather by underscoring a point that our Chairman articulated so well, which is in the 24 or 48 hours or so we’ve heard quite a bit from Speaker McCarthy and some House Republicans as they attempt to lay blame for a Republican default that grows more and more precarious by the day. The only group in Washington threatening a default are House Republicans, no one else. House Democrats from day one have made clear our obligation to pay our bills, to do the right thing by the American people and prevent a disastrous default. Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans have taken the exact opposite approach. They have manufactured a crisis, forced a false choice on the American people: To choose between draconian cuts in the Default On America Act, on one hand, or a catastrophic default on the other. And now attempting to leverage this crisis of their own making. So, it's important as Vice Chair Leui said to be understanding and cognizant of the facts. There is only one party that is threatening default, and it is House Republicans.

“One note that I would just close on, there was some polling that came out just a few days ago – and I would encourage all of you to take a look. It shows what we all know to be true, which is that the Default On America Act is deeply unpopular with the American public. Fifty-eight percent of Americans, when they find out what is in that disastrous bill, oppose it. That includes, by the way, thirty-two percent of Republicans – one-third of Republicans across the country. Why is that? Of course the reason is obvious, because their bill would lay off teachers, lay off first responders, strip away food assistance for millions of families across the country, impose draconian cuts on health care for seniors and so many others. It's why, by the way, House Republicans and Speaker McCarthy decline at every turn to talk about what is actually in their bill, because they know that it is deeply unpopular with the American people. It's time for them to get serious, do the right thing by the American people. 

“With that, I’d like to turn it now to my wonderful colleague, Co Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Veronica Escobar of Texas.”

With the House scheduled to be out of session at the end of the month, right around the ax date: Do you think the House should stay in session through the Memorial Day Recess? 

“I echo the remarks of Chairman Aguilar. Anyone who watched the House Democratic Caucus in the 117th Congress understands that this caucus is always ready to do the people’s work – probably the most robust legislative calendar in the modern history of the Congress. So, I think it’s a fair question but, as the Chair said, I think it’s a question best reserved for [Majority] Leader Scalise. House Democrats will be prepared to do what is necessary to get it done.”

Original source can be found here.