2 PA Congressional Members Voted Against Raising Debt Ceiling

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the nation teetered on the verge of triggering a global financial crisis, two Two Pennsylvania congressional members voted against raising the debt ceiling - for vastly different reasons.

Democratic Rep. Summer Lee of Pittsburgh and Republican Scott Perry were the only two of the state's 17-member House delegation to oppose the measure.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 is the vehicle for Congress to raise the federal debt limit so America would not catastrophically default on its debt. The House voted on the bill after a deal was negotiated between the White House and House Republicans.

Overall, the measure passed in a 314-117 vote. Seventy-one Republicans and 46 Democrats voted against the bill.

Lee said in a release that she was against a potential default.

"My 'no' vote is to oppose the dangerous precedent the Republicans set through their willingness to risk the livelihoods of millions and the full faith and credit of the United States of America in order to force through dangerous policies and reward their billionaire donors," Lee said.

"They have placed their budget priorities over the poorest and most vulnerable. If we do not take a stand now, they will continue to do this with every chance they get."

Perry took to Twitter to criticize President Joe Biden and the GOP House members who voted to raise the ceiling.

"President Biden is happily sending Americans over yet another fiscal cliff, with far too many swampy Republicans behind the wheel of a “deal” that fails miserably to

address the real reason for our debt crisis: SPENDING," he said.