GOP Versus Itself On Default

In Their Own Words: Republicans Explain Why We Must Not Default

The Treasury Department confirmed once again this afternoon that Aug. 2 is the do-or-default date when it comes to raising the nation’s debt ceiling. Meanwhile, Republican senators are simply digging in their heels to defend special tax breaks for corporate jet owners (among other things). Since the GOP won’t listen to reason, perhaps they’ll listen to…themselves when it comes to avoiding a default on our obligations:

“We’re at 15 percent revenue, and historically it’s been closer to 20 percent. We’ve never had a war without a tax, and now we’ve got two. … Absolute bullshit.”

-Former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-WY), yesterday

“The debt’s coming due, and they say it isn’t coming due. They’re wrong.”

-Former Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM), former Senate Budget Committee Chairman, yesterday

“Raising the debt limit is necessary to preserve the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. We cannot as a Congress pass spending bills and tax bills and then refuse to pay our bills. Refusing to raise the debt limit is like refusing to pay your credit card bill–after you’ve used your credit card. The time to control the deficits and debt is when we are voting on the spending bills and the tax bills that create it. Raising the debt limit is about meeting the obligations we have already incurred. We must meet our obligations. Vote for this bill.”

-Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), in 2006

“Now, how can somebody spend like a drunken sailor and then all of a sudden find religion when it comes to raising the debt limit? This is just like eating a big meal and walking out on the bill.”

-Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), in 2002

“The result is that our government now needs to keep its promise to the American people, to all of various entitlement programs, but maybe most especially the program that that elderly woman asked about this morning. We must raise the statutory debt limit.”

-Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), in 2002

“You don’t have much choice if you charge something on your credit card. You have to pay it, and that’s effectively what this debt limit is . . . [W]e’ve already spent the money. The question is now, do we shut down the government, or do we fund what we’ve already done?”

-Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), last year. Last week, however, DeMint threatened any Republicans who vote against default.

“Let me tell you what’s involved if we don’t lift the debt ceiling: financial collapse and calamity throughout the world.”

-Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), in January