Schneider Joins Bipartisan Effort to Extend Debt Ceiling

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston) were on opposite sides of a bipartisan vote today extending the nation’s debt limit through May 19 in the House of Representatives.

The final vote was 285 to 144 with Schneider joining 84 other Democrats and 199 Republicans to send the bill to the Senate for action. Schakowsky was one of 111 Democrats and 33 Republicans voting no.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said the upper chamber would vote on the measure, according to Roll Call.

During his campaign for the 10th Congressional District seat and after his victory, Schneider promised to do what he could to end gridlock in Washington. This bill required votes from members of both parties to pass and avoid an immediate battle over the debt ceiling.

“Today's vote ended the immediate prospect of default and will allow us to focus on our long-term economic health and work to end the political uncertainty, so that businesses have the confidence to invest in new people and new technology,” Schneider said.

Schakowsky opposed the legislation because she believes it will do nothing to keep the Republicans from holding the country hostage to further their political agenda in May as they did in 2011. She wants a long term extension.

“I am disappointed that House Republicans continue to play partisan political games at the expense of our economy,” Schakowsky said in a statement. “American families, businesses, and Medicare and Social Security recipients deserve an end to this perpetual uncertainty. Congress must assure that the United States will pay the bills we have incurred.”

The measure also requires the Senate to pass a budget which it has not done since 2009. If it fails to do so, pay will be suspended for all members of Congress.

Schneider also participated in a House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting today questioning Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.