Kansas congresspersons reach fork in the road on debt ceiling

The Kansas City Star

The solidarity of the Kansas House delegation cracked Wednesday when three members supported the GOP debt ceiling plan and one opposed it.

Can you guess which one?

Easy: Rep. Tim Huelskamp voted against a GOP deal to extend the debt ceiling until May. The other Kansas Reps -- Kevin Yoder, Mike Pompeo, and Lynn Jenkins -- were yes votes.

The bill would require the Senate to pass a budget or forgo pay.

From Huelskamp: “I cannot support an increase in the debt limit without any spending cuts. But, the irresponsible Senate Democrats have not passed a budget for 1,365 days, and President Obama has refused to provide any solutions to Washington's overspending problem."

From Yoder: “My biggest frustration has been Congress’ inability to do the basics. We cannot responsibly plan for the future without getting our finances in order, and we cannot do this without a federal budget. It’s been over four years since the Senate last passed a budget; but as we begin a new session, I renew my hope and optimism we can now seriously address the dire financial situation we see immediately ahead. ‘No Budget, No Pay’ simply ensures Congress does the work we are elected to do.”

From Jenkins: “Most Kansans agree if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. This should also apply to Congress, myself included. Opposing a vote to put your pay on the line if you fail to do your job is indefensible. The futures of our children and grandchildren are at stake, and America can no longer afford to punt on our debt crisis."

In Missouri, Democratic Reps. Emanuel Cleaver and Lacy Clay were no votes. All Republicans voted yes (Jo Ann Emerson has resigned so her district was not represented.)

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