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WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko today voted against H.R. 2811, the Default on America Act, legislation that holds the nation’s economy hostage in an attempt roll back transformational climate action, cut Medicare, and more.

“To say this Republican debt limit bill puts America between a rock and a hard place is an understatement,” Congressman Tonko said. “The Default on America Act demands cruel cuts that will hurt working families, slash overwhelmingly popular benefits, and roll back urgently-needed climate action, all while threatening a default on our debt. We will not play politics with the faith and credit of our nation. My fellow House Democrats and I are ready to act now to prevent a default, continue our historic deficit reduction, and responsibly invest in America to lower costs and create better paying jobs. I urge Republicans to join us in good faith to ensure we meet our government’s financial obligations and do right by the American people.”

By refusing to act now to prevent a default, House Republicans are threatening an economic disaster that will devastate everyday Americans. In NY-20, a default on our debt would:

• Kill 7,700 local jobs
• Put Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs health benefits at risk for 292,000 residents
• Jeopardize Social Security payments for 107,000 seniors.

But the Default on America Act is no alternative. In New York, the extreme House Republican scheme would:

• Put 1,287,000 people at risk of losing Medicaid coverage;
• Threaten access to food assistance for 54,000 people aged 50-55;
• Eliminate preschool and child care for a minimum of 17,000 children;
• Increase housing costs for at least 67,300 people; and
• Make college more expensive for at least 397,600 students.

House Democrats have 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.