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Sen. Mike Lee, (R-Utah), on why the debt ceiling should only be raised on condition of a balanced budget amendment.
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Later vowing that table -- -- the Boehner plan tonight.
This would be the second time that senator Reid has killed a debt ceiling resolution without even permitting a -- -- on it in the US senate.
Joining us now is Tea Party favorite senator might -- Republican have you -- But says any deal must -- debt relief to a balanced budget amendment.
He's the author of the book the freedom agenda.
A senator great to have you -- this first your reaction to.
I second historic vote if you will in the house of representatives on raising the debt ceiling and constraining.
The federal budget.
Well it's it fascinating time to be on Capitol Hill to be sure.
I am still a supporter of the cut -- and balanced approach the act that you mentioned that passed last week and then immediately tabled by the senate.
This act that was passed today does not contain a balanced budget amendment as a condition for raising the debt limit.
I can't supporter and I can't vote for for that reason -- nonetheless -- so what the hell would you vote for senator I mean what in the world would you vote for.
I'm I'm willing to vote for anything that has a balanced budget amendment attached is a condition to raising the debt limit right and keep it there -- are on.
A lot of areas in which we can compromise and negotiate within that.
But as I explained in my book we can't raise the debt limit again.
And without putting in place a permanent structural spending reform mechanism and really the only way to do that is through -- constitutional amendment.
That's that's great and the and they knew.
Improved if you will Boehner plan lays the foundation for that perhaps not at the level that you or other.
A by the way I I want to be very clear I'm a supporter of the Tea Party.
I absolutely believe passionately in the values of our restricted.
Less certain.
Federal government less federal spending responsible.
Spending and a balanced budget.
I do not however understand how the Tea Party.
If you will favorites in this.
Can attack a -- and congressman Alan west for doing what He judges to be a prudent and responsible.
-- voting for that proposal.
I -- and why you would simply turn your backs on the Boehner and then but if it turned proposal if it turns out -- to be the best possible in this political environment.
That -- look utter madness to me.
Have it first of all I I'm not aware of anyone attacking anyone else I'm certainly not attacking and over the Tea Party but a number of the Tea Party -- have -- -- west and other Republicans.
For moving in support of the -- for -- Well that's their choice and that's -- choose to express themselves that's unfortunate but here's here's the situation we're dealing with we're being promised already by the Democrats in the senate.
That the latest iteration of the -- proposal.
Will be dead on arrival but they're gonna cable back.
The senate majority leader is killing -- stop outright without permitting and I mean there's no understanding here.
This senator is absolute least telling the American people -- hell with the debate.
And free expression and I voted off up -- down.
On raising the national debt ceiling there's no understanding senator that's what he's doing.
And you guys are sitting -- are -- squabbling amongst yourselves over it seems to me whether or not there should be T on the table we're not.
Well no -- listen -- were angling for anything that we can debate and discuss on the floor.
What I'm saying is -- bring it forward let us debated discussed that and amended if necessary.
That's how the legislative process is supposed to work instead what we've been having for the last few weeks.
This small handful of legislative leaders from both houses and both political parties meeting behind closed doors.
Coming up with pre cooked dinner that officers just supposed to adopt and except lock stop and the stock and barrel at the last minute.
And about that there are a lot of us who were hesitant to do that people in both political parties.
I understand hesitant and I understand the Tony two Republicans sided with the entire.
Body of Democrats in the House of Representatives.
And that's I think that should give pause I would think to cross purposes.
Yes well at cross purposes are one thing at a deadlock in the debate not committing any debate is quite another and now this is stuff up for a problem.
With a huge order of magnitude that I want the American people to understand.
We need debate and discussion to go long in our legislators and they're really really -- -- -- senator -- could I just debate this for some time I hope you'll come back we'll continue to debate.
And we look forward to seeing how the votes come down and now that propositions.
Are arrived at.
Thank you very much senator Mike Lee.
