West Virginia congressional reps are divided in House as debt ceiling bill passes

West Virginia’s congressional representatives split on a vote over legislation to address the nation’s debt limit.

Carol Miller was a yes, and Alex Mooney was a no. Both are Republicans.

“This bill is proof that we can pass meaningful legislation while decreasing the national debt,” Miller stated following Wednesday night’s congressional vote.

The debt limit bill passed the House of Representatives, 314 to 117. Of those, 71 Republicans and 46 Democrats voted against the bill.

The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate. Federal officials have said the United States is expected to reach the x-date, representing the day the federal government runs out of means to pay its existing debts, by early next week. If the United States defaults on its debt, economists warn of dire effects on the economy.

In the Senate, both Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, and Joe Manchin, a Democrat, have said they support the bill.

President Biden and administration representatives negotiated with Speaker McCarthy and his team, announcing a compromise bill this past weekend.

The deal would suspend the debt ceiling, currently at $31.4 trillion, until Jan. 1, 2025.

The legislation also includes caps for the next two years of nonefense discretionary spending.

Furthermore, the bill would haul back about $28 billion in unspent covid relief funds, eliminate $1.4 billion in IRS funding and place work requirements for people up to 55 years old to receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program plus Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, with exceptions for veterans and homeless people.

The bill has an aspect of particular interest in West Virginia, expedited approval for federal regulation of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which crosses nine counties to deliver natural gas to eastern markets.

Carol Miller

Miller said on MetroNews’ “Talkline” this week that the combination of policies earned her vote.

“Number one reason, of course, is Mountain Valley pipeline. But because of all the wonderful things that we have been able to accomplish,” Miller said.

“We spend too much money. And this puts a hold on what we can do for a number of years — brings us back not to ’22 but to ’23. There are just so many positive things that we are doing with SNAP and, of course, the IRS agents. There are just a number of things that are very, very important to us as a country.”

Alex Mooney

Mooney released a statement prior to the Wednesday evening vote in the House to say why he would vote no.

He said the compromise bill does not go far enough to cut spending and that he supported a bill passed several weeks ago the House majority.

“This bill continues the country on a path of ballooning debt and kicking the can down the road,” Mooney stated. “We must reduce government spending and our debt to preserve this nation for our children and grandchildren.”





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm