Washington, D.C.– U.S. Representative Chip Cravaack (MN-8) issued the following statement after the House approved the Budget Control Act of 2011: 

“I could not support the amended Budget Control Act passed by the House this evening.  While I applaud this bi-partisan effort to avert a default on our nation’s debt, the measure approved by the House does very little to reduce our bloated deficit; it merely slows its growth.  This legislation will not ensure our nation’s AAA credit rating nor provide for a Balanced Budget Amendment before the debt limit is raised.  Regrettably, this compromise risks cuts to seniors’ Medicare and veterans’ benefits, and dangerous cuts to military funding - all the while the U.S is conducting three military operations abroad and China continues to emerge as a global super power and rival model of governance. 

We must do better to protect our nation’s prosperity for future generations.

Just recently, I voted for 'cut, cap, and balance' and to raise the debt ceiling; however, I gave my word to advocate the core, fiscally conservative principles my constituents in the 8th District entrusted upon me last November.  I will remain an independent voice in Washington – if the numbers don’t add up, I’m not voting for it.”  

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