Senator Hassan on proposed social infrastructure spending,
“It’s really important that we move forward on all of these measures because they are all about strengthening our economy and providing opportunity. I will continue to work to move these pieces of legislation forward.”
In an interview with Chris Ryan, Senator Maggie Hassan voices her concerns about the possibility of a government shutdown because the Senate, on party lines, is divided over raising the federal debt ceiling, the amount that the federal government is allowed to borrow; discusses the connection of debt ceiling vote to the three major spending bills which are currently going through Congress; deflects concerns that increased government spending might cause inflation; and weighs in on the Biden administration’s COVID vaccine mandate.
On Monday night, the Senate voted to pass a resolution to raise our $28.4 trillion debt limit. Senate rules require a 60-vote minimum to pass a bill. Republicans vow that they willnot support an increase to the debt limit.
Unless lawmakers figure out a way to solve this problem, there is a possibility that the federal government will exhaust their ability borrow and the ability to pay their bills sometime between October 15 and November 4.
Senator Hassan is surprised that there has been no bipartisan support for raising the debt limit now when Democrats voted to raise the debt limit during the Trump presidency. The Senator is very concerned about the possibility of the United States being plunged into a recession if we default.
Three large spending bills are currently being discussed in Congress: the bi-partisan infrastructure bill; the $3.5 trillion budget resolution; and proposed spending increases for social programs and addressing climate change.
Senator Hassan favors the democrat agenda and believes that the Republicans are blocking the raising the debt limit in order to prevent the passing of the increased spending plans.
“It’s really important that we move forward on all of these measures because they are all about strengthening our economy and providing opportunity. I will continue to work to move these pieces of legislation forward.”
When she was asked if inflation might be caused bythe $1 trillion infrastructure bill for roads and bridges and the $3.5 trillion human infrastructure bill for universal pre-K, child and elder care, free community college and to combat climate change, Senator Hassan said, “It is absolutely essential that we invest in critical areas where we know that we are lacking.”
The Senator believes that the effects of inflation will be offset by these programs which will lower costs for childcare and prescription drugs; provide job training; and create jobs in clean energy.
However, Senator Hassan wants to look at the numbers and wants to be sure that they target the costs in the $3.5 trillion budget resolution package.
In the final segment of the interview, Senator Hassan discussed the value and importance of everyone getting the COVID vaccine. She is hoping that confusion about the mandate will end when OSHA-the Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides employers with clear guidelines.