Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) today voted against an increase to the debt limit without spending cuts, citing the need for the federal government to rein in out-of-control spending and balance its budget. 

“We cannot continue to give the President a blank check for him to use to increase the reach of the federal government and increase regulations,” said Congressman Carter, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. “This is a lost opportunity to work with the other side of the aisle on real reforms to our spending problem. As an Appropriator, I understand that we have to work within a budget. Every American, every Texan and every small business owner has to work within a budget and its time Washington does the same.”

When President Obama came into office in January 2009, the total federal debt stood at $10.6 trillion. This week the federal debt is $17.3 trillion.

“Citizens of the 31^st District, Texans and American’s are worried about the insanity in Washington and the out of control spending. Extending the debt ceiling only further burdens the future of our children and grandchildren. I cannot consciously vote yes for something that will hurt the future for my three grandchildren and yours. We must find real, lasting solutions to our spending problem. We must create jobs and build opportunity, not debt, for our future.”

The legislation that suspends the debt ceiling until March 15, 2015 was passed by the House by a vote of 221-201, with only 28 Republican votes. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it will likely be passed in the upcoming days.