Texas Politicians took to the social media platform, Twitter, to react to new reports about the bipartisan debt-ceiling deal.
Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) let voters know how upset she was at Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy’s (R) handling of the negotiation talks.
“NONE of this economic hostage taking was necessary. All these negotiations needed to happen as part of the appropriations process anyway, but @SpeakerMcCarthy wanted to placate the extremists in the @HouseGOP. But this is par for the course for the GOP, which cannot govern.”
NONE of this economic hostage taking was necessary.
All these negotiations needed to happen as part of the appropriations process anyway, but @SpeakerMcCarthy wanted to placate the extremists in the @HouseGOP.
But this is par for the course for the GOP, which cannot govern. https://t.co/x0d6X3Qfu0
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) May 28, 2023
Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D) had a different opinion that her Republican peers.
“After speaking to the White House, it is obvious that a lot of hard work has gone on to avoid the Republican default on this nation,” said Rep. Jackson Lee.
The Texas congresswoman emphasized the effect that the default could have on the American people.
“The details of the agreement are still being worked out, but as I fight against the default, created by this unfair hostage style negotiation, it’s important to recognize who will be hurt if the nation does default — the American people, their cities, and their families,” said Rep. Jackson Lee.
The Texas lawmaker continued saying, “My commitment is to ensure that local governments are not drastically hurt by what was extracted during this process.”
Jackson Lee expressed concern about how COVID funds would be used, as well as the changing requirements for other government programs.
“Since we could not get a clean debt ceiling raise to avoid default, we now have to deal with the present proposal — a clawback of COVID funds, which is going to hurt cities across America very badly, as well as the misinterpretation of people’s eligibility requirements […] for SNAP benefits. However, I promised my constituents that I would fight for our nation not to default.”
The Texas representative stated her intent to speak up about the causes of the American people.
“I’m going back to Washington to work through these issues and will come out on the side of addressing the needs of the working families of America, our children, our seniors, and of course my hometown of Houston. If none of this works, the President has to use the 14th amendment!”
After speaking to the White House, it is obvious that a lot of hard work has gone on to avoid the Republican default on this nation.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) May 28, 2023
Texas Representative Chip Roy (R) made it clear that he had issues with the deal.
“I do not like the “deal” as I understand it from the cheerleading so far… I will have more to follow once I see more details,” said a skeptical Rep. Roy.
I do not like the “deal” as I understand it from the cheerleading so far… I will have more to follow once I see more details.
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) May 28, 2023
The Texas lawmaker challenged alleged statements by Republicans that Democrats did not receive what they wanted in the negotiations.
“THREAD: There are members of the GOP claiming Democrats got nothing from the “deal.” Oh really? 1) An uncapped debt ceiling with an expiration date - worth approximately $4 trillion…? 2) basically no cuts - a freeze at bloated 2023 spending level? #DebtCeiling (1/3),” said Rep. Roy.
The Republican congressman also took issue with how the deal allocates the use of funds.
“…3) ZERO claw back of the $1.2 Trillion “inflation reduction act” crony giveaways to elite leftists for grid-destroying unreliable energy…? 4) 98% of the IRS expansion left fully in place…? 5) no work requirements for Medicaid? - & only age adjustments for TANF/SNAP…? (2/3).”
Roy had other issues with the bill including the lack of focus on border security.
“…6) no REINS act statutory requirement for congress to approve huge regulations - just an “administrative” paygo that the administration will get to enforce? 7) No border security!! - & a deal allowing them to avoid policy riders in the fall… 8) more… (3/3) /end”
THREAD: There are members of the GOP claiming Democrats got nothing from the “deal.” Oh really? 1) An uncapped debt ceiling with an expiration date - worth approximately $4 trillion…? 2) basically no cuts - a freeze at bloated 2023 spending level? #DebtCeiling (1/3)
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) May 28, 2023
Recently, another bipartisan bill was introduced. Texas Representative Pete Sessions (R) introduced new healthcare legislation, the Health Care Fairness for All Act. The bill, also known as H.R. 3129, is intended to reform the health care system.
“My Health Care Fairness for All Act gives Americans more control, lower prices, and less hassle by: Reforming federal health tax subsidies, Offering a tax-advantaged health savings account. Removing barriers between patients and doctors,” said Rep. Sessions.
The Texas lawmaker pointed to the state of the current healthcare system as a problem.
“Our current health care system puts countless American families and individuals in no-win circumstances, forcing high costs and little choice,” said the congressman.
Rep. Sessions’s statement emphasized the need for a better healthcare system.
“The Health Care Fairness for All Act will empower Americans to make effective decisions for themselves and their families while incentivizing private markets to be more innovative and competitive. Our country should have a health care system that reflects its founding principles of freedom and opportunity.”
