Congressman Bill Huizenga says a default on the national debt is something no one wants as the negotiations continue between Republicans and President Joe Biden on raising the debt ceiling. However, Huizenga says the federal government does need to reduce spending. During a tele townhall this week, Huizenga told one concerned woman this is not the first time Congress has demanded spending reforms before a debt ceiling increase.
“The debt ceiling has always been a point of pressure that both sides have used,” Huizenga said. “Chuck Schumer has done this, the House Republicans have, the House Democrats did it with President Trump. Whether it’s a spending issue or a policy issue, this is part of the negotiations.”
Huizenga says yearly appropriations only account for 30% of the federal budget, while the rest is automatic. He said entitlements won’t be affected by current talks.
“Social Security and Medicare cuts are off the table. That is not going to happen in any solution that we’re going to be coming up with.”
Huizenga says Democrats went on a spending spree with COVID relief bills, and with no Republican support. He says those bills are now coming due. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said this week he is not optimistic about the state of talks between the White House and Congress.
