House Republicans Defend a Debt Ceiling Hike

ThinkProgress

While President George W. Bush was in office, both in 2002 and 2004, the debt ceiling was raised — without any cuts.

Many of the most vocal supporters of raising the debt ceiling were Republicans, many of whom are still in office today. ThinkProgress compiled a video of conservatives protecting the country from default on the House floor, calling it a matter of public responsibility, in contrast to the cut-happy and anti-ceiling raising plan voted through the House Friday night.

As Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) said in an excerpted floor speech, he didn’t like voting to raise the ceiling, but, “Sometimes, you gotta govern around here.â€