Cohen Votes to Avoid Defaulting on the Nation's Debt

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after voting to protect American families from the costs of defaulting on our nation’s debt:

“I am glad that Speaker Boehner and the House Republican leadership agreed to hold a vote on a ‘clean’ bill that lifts the debt ceiling and reduces the threat of default. The American people deserve better than to have the full faith and credit of the United States of America held hostage by an immature and irresponsible minority of the Republican conference. While I am disappointed that so few Republicans voted with us to safeguard our economic stability, I am glad to join Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi in stating—unequivocally—that the United States pays its bills.”

Today’s bill to extend the debt ceiling until March 15, 2015, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 221-201, with only 28 Republicans joining a nearly-unanimous Democratic caucus in voting to prevent default.