On the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) joined Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, Senate Conference Chairman John Barrasso, House Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, Congressman Dusty Johnson, Senate Conference Vice Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito, and Congressman Chip Roy, along with other members of the House and Senate, for a press conference hosted by Speaker McCarthy. The conference was held amidst ongoing debt limit negotiations between the Speaker and President Joe Biden.
Senator Lee highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the united front of the Senate Republicans and their commitment to addressing the debt ceiling in a responsible and sustainable manner. He stated:
“We all understand the gravity of the situation, we need to address the debt ceiling, and we need to do so in a way that makes a difference to make sure that we’re not back here in just a few more months.”
Sen. Lee indicated that 43 Senate Republicans are committed to not supporting any debt ceiling increase that does not contain substantive spending and budgetary reforms. He further emphasized their support for the bill passed by the House of Representatives that aligns with these principles:
“Now it just so happens the House of Representatives has passed precisely such a bill. We stand behind that bill. We need to pull up and pass that bill. We need to do it today.”
Sen. Lee concluded his remarks with an urgent call to action for the Senate, insisting, “The Senate has no business leaving town before an agreement has been reached. Let’s get this done!“
