Wasserman Schultz Votes Against Republicans’ Destructive Default On America Act

Washington, April 26, 2023
As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that ensures our nation’s veterans have the resources and support they need, I refuse to back a vicious default scheme that threatens to rob $2 billion in health care services from those who served, and exposes veterans to massive future service cuts. This bill is a cowardly insult to their brave sacrifices.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) voted against the Default On America Act, the extreme MAGA Republican legislation that poses Americans with a terrible choice: allow House Republicans to wreck our economy or inflict cruel cuts that hurt everyday people.

“Congress must pay our bills, and we certainly must prevent a devastating default on our debt. But House Republicans are willing to wreck our economy unless they can force cruel cuts that hurt thousands of families, seniors, and veterans in Florida’s 25th Congressional District, and millions more across America,” said Wasserman Schultz. “That is exactly why I voted against the Default On America Act today. My fellow House Democrats and I are ready to act right now to prevent a default on our debt, to continue our historic deficit reduction, and to responsibly invest in America to lower costs and create better paying jobs. It is time for extreme MAGA Republicans to end the political games, protect our families, and save our economy. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that ensures our nation’s veterans have the resources and support they need, I refuse to back a vicious default scheme that threatens to rob $2 billion in health care services from those who served, and exposes veterans to massive future service cuts. This bill is a cowardly insult to their brave sacrifices.”

By refusing to act now to prevent a default, House Republicans threaten an economic disaster that will devastate everyday Americans. In FL-25, an extreme MAGA Republican default on our debt would:

  • Kill 7,900 jobs as unemployment doubles;
  • Threaten the retirement savings of 100,000 people near retirement;
  • Put Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs health benefits at risk for 206,000 people;
  • Jeopardize Social Security payments for 75,000 of our local seniors.

Across Florida, the extreme House Republican default scheme would:

  • Threaten access to food assistance for 58,000 people aged 50-55;
  • Eliminate preschool and childcare for at least 17,600 children;
  • Increase housing costs for at least 29,500 people; and
  • Make college more expensive for at least 474,400 students.

House Democrats already cut the deficit by historic levels and President Biden’s budget reduces deficits by $3 trillion more over the next 10 years while investing in America – lowering costs by making child care, health care, and housing more affordable, supporting better schools, and strengthening our infrastructure.

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