So, what’s the debt ceiling about?
Hello Folks –
May has arrived. The Seahawks drafted some great new players. The Kraken won their first playoff series ever. And we finally broke 70 degrees. On top of that, it’s been quite a busy few weeks with plenty of news to share, so let's get right to it!
America’s Fiscal House
Recently, there’s been significant press attention surrounding the nation’s debt ceiling (also known as the debt limit). In January of this year, the federal government reached its debt limit. Stopgap measures and emergency actions are being taken to carry us until early summer, but a long-term solution is necessary.
So, what’s the debt ceiling about?
According to the Treasury Department, “The debt limit is the total amount of money that the United States government is authorized to borrow to meet its existing legal obligations, including Social Security and Medicare benefits, military salaries, interest on the national debt, tax refunds, and other payments. The debt limit does not authorize new spending commitments. It simply allows the government to finance existing legal obligations that Congresses and presidents of both parties have made in the past.”
In a nutshell, failing to address the debt ceiling is like choosing not to pay the minimum balance on your credit card. Sure, you can make that choice – but it'll have unfavorable consequences for your finances down the road.
Rather than lifting the debt ceiling and paying our bills as was done three times under President Trump, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have refused to take action unless there are massive cuts to programs that working families depend on. Independent economic analyses suggest the bill they introduced would lead to three-quarters of a million Americans losing their jobs. In addition, as Republican Nancy Mace pointed out, provisions in their bill would not only increase energy prices, they would increase taxes on the American people.
People who regularly read my newsletter know that I’m not a partisan bomb-thrower, but the cuts proposed by my Republican colleagues would mean gutting law enforcement, food safety, and vital support for working families across Washington state. That's not a good idea, and it’s why I opposed their proposal last week.
To be clear – I think America should pay its bills and I believe Congress should get a handle on our nation’s long-term fiscal challenges But threatening a default and undermining investments that support working families, veterans, and seniors just isn’t a smart path forward. I’ll keep pushing for more strategic action to put our nation on a path toward improved fiscal sustainability and enhanced economic growth.
Celebrating Our Earth
Our children’s future depends on the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the earth we pass on to them. With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to share a few updates regarding what I’m doing to protect our environment.
On Earth Day, I joined Bainbridge Islanders at the Earth Day Expo at Battle Point Park where I met some passionate folks and spoke a little about my efforts to protect our planet. From securing funding to protect the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary to strengthening the resiliency of our forests to restoring Puget Sound, I’m committed to ensuring the federal government does its part to protect our region’s natural wonders.
Growing up on the Olympic Peninsula, some of my favorite memories include spending time in Olympic National Park and hiking in Olympic National Forest. I want to ensure future generations can make those same memories. That’s why Senator Patty Murray and I just reintroduced our Wild Olympics legislation. Our bill would protect some of the most environmentally sensitive parts of the Olympic Peninsula – critical salmon habitat, sources of clean drinking water for local communities, and natural treasures that support outdoor recreation.
The Wild Olympics bill is a practical, balanced strategy, which will protect the wildest and most pristine places on the Peninsula while ensuring we can keep and grow jobs in our natural resource industries.
Supporting Our Youth
Recently, we’ve grappled with the aftermath of far too many senseless, terrible tragedies that have rocked our nation to its core. It’s genuinely alarming, and as a father of two, I don’t want to keep witnessing such heartbreaking events unfold across our nation. I want my kiddos to be excited when I drop them off at school in the morning, and as your representative, my heart is heavy for the families and communities that have been devastated by these tragedies. I know that beyond offering prayers, what our nation needs is action.
That’s why I recently convened a discussion with leaders from the grassroots advocacy organization Tacoma Cease Fire, as well as Tacoma Deputy Mayor Kristina Walker, to talk about escalating violence and the mental health epidemic facing our kids. I heard directly from Candace Wesley and James Watson, leadership partners of Tacoma Cease Fire, about the growing connection between youth violence and firearms right here in our own community. You can learn more about our discussion in this article from The News Tribune.
Last year, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, supporting mental health service providers offering school-based mental health services to students in districts like the Tacoma School District. That bill also cracks down on gun trafficking, establishes enhanced background checks for people under the age of 21, and protects victims of domestic violence by closing a loophole that previously protected convicted offenders. This historic legislation invests in safe schools and supports the national expansion of community behavioral health centers, improving access to services for children, youth, and families across our nation.
I’ll continue to advocate for action to ensure safety in our public spaces, including schools. I want our kids to be excited about school, and not be afraid for their day or their safety.
But thankfully, our community has dedicated leaders stepping up, like those who run Tacoma Cease Fire –implementing prevention strategies and raising awareness about gun violence and youth mental health. As your representative, I have a sense of urgency about making progress on these important issues. Ensuring that Congress continues to invest in the well-being of our youth will remain a priority for me this year.
Working for You
Honoring a Commitment to Service
Recently, I took a moment to honor my friend Patty Rose and recognize her decades of service to the working people of Pierce County and Washington state. Patty’s life is a testament to her passion and commitment to fighting for the rights of working people.
Fighting Back Against Cancer
Every American has been touched in a personal way by cancer – whether it’s as a survivor or seeing it impact a family member or friend. It was great to catch up with my friend, Dr. Hans-Peter Kiem from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center to discuss new cell and gene therapies for the treatment of cancer.
Building Bridges Between Communities
In Tacoma, the Asia Pacific Cultural Center bridges communities and generations through art, culture, education, and commerce. It was my pleasure to have Asia Pacific Cultural Center Founder Patsy Surh O’Connell join me in Washington, D.C., to hear from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
OK – that’s it for now, folks. As always, I’m honored to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek Kilmer