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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement on her vote to pass the Bipartisan Budget Agreement and raise the debt ceiling.

“First and foremost, America must pay its bills. The consequences of default would be devastating, would rock our economy for years if not decades, and would hurt working Americans the most. But I remain concerned about several of the provisions in this bill, especially the rolling back of landmark provisions under NEPA in the name of permitting reform, which has been the bedrock of conservation and environmental law for more than 50 years. As the wife of the man who authored NEPA, I know we must modernize the law for future generations, but it must be done in a way that maintains the ability of communities to weigh in effectively to protect the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the environment where they live, as originally intended. I will be closely monitoring the implementation of any regulation changes to NEPA and remain committed to defending it.

“We also continue to have a long-term care crisis in this country, which disproportionately impacts women, who often have to leave the workforce and sacrifice a source of income to care for a loved one. Around half of Americans 50 or older spend at least some time serving as a family caregiver. I’m concerned that the modification of work requirement exemptions for SNAP in this bill to include adults up to age 54 will seriously impact those who are serving as a family caregiver because they can’t find or afford adequate care. I will continue to fight to support our long-term care workers, family caregivers, seniors, Americans with disabilities, children, and all those who depend on lifeline services including SNAP.

“We do need address the deficit and spending, but we need to do it through regular order and the appropriations process. We must also end this cycle of manufactured crisis bringing us to the brink of potential financial collapse and establish a permanent solution to the debt that ensures the full faith and credit of the United States cannot be questioned. This is a poor way to govern, and the American people deserve better.”

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