Local representatives are weighing in on debt ceiling negotiations
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Local representatives are speaking on the effort to avoid a default.
Republicans and Democrats have very different perspectives on the debate, including Representatives Bob Good (R-VA-5th) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7th).
"Most Republicans never voted for a debt ceiling increase. Most Republicans didn't want to increase the debt ceiling at all," said Good.
Good says GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy is holding the line for most Republicans. They want a bill that includes spending cuts, stricter work requirements for aid and cuts to the IRS, but they won't cut defense spending.
He says the House has done its part and that would help the economy down the road.
"However, we came together to be responsible in dealing with the debt limit and in exchange for reforms and cuts that will put us on a better path fiscally," said Good.
On the other side of the aisle, Spanberger is addressing the debt ceiling too, but in a different way. She favors a debt ceiling increase now to avoid default.
She also joined with a Republican colleague to introduce a bill saying members of Congress shouldn't get paid during any default or government shutdown.
In a statement Spanberger reminds Congress that they are no different than the people they represent, saying, "Working Americans get it -- if you don't do your job, you don't get paid."
There is still talk of President Joe Biden using the 14th Amendment to avoid a default, but that path would almost certainly end up in court, and there likely isn't time to get a ruling before June 1.