Politics & Government

U.S. Rep. Miller Calls New Request to Raise U.S. Debt Ceiling 'Distressing'

U.S. Rep. Candice Miller is voicing neither opposition nor support at this time for a presidential request to raise the debt ceiling again–such a request is expected from the White House this week.

As Congress waits for President Barack Obama to officially ask for an additional $1.2 trillion in borrowing authority, which would raise the federal debt ceiling to $16.4 trillion, Macomb's U.S. Rep. Candice Miller is saying, "These levels of deficits and debt cannot continue."

“How distressing that the president is once again requesting to raise the nation’s debt ceiling," Miller, (R-10), said in a prepared statement Dec. 28. "Fortunately, because of the consistency of the House Republicans’ commitment to restoring fiscal discipline, at least we saw the debate in 2011 change from how much more to spend to how much we can begin to cut."

Per the budget agreement reached in August, the president's request can only be blocked if Congress passes a "resolution of disapproval." If no disapproval resolution is passed, the borrowing limit will increase without issue.

Find out what's happening in Macomb Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While legislators have 15 days from the time of the president's request to vote, this vote has no real impact as the president can veto a rejection of the request. Congress does have the ability to override such a veto, but needs two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to do so.

Should the president make his request this week, Congress would have to vote by Jan. 14 at the latest. However, the House is in recess until Jan. 17 and the Senate until Jan. 23.

Find out what's happening in Macomb Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This would be the final increase allowed under the August budget agreement.

“I sincerely hope that 2012 will bring a renewed spirit of cooperation between the Administration and Congress to at least stop the need for further lifting of the debt ceiling," Miller said in a prepared statement.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here