Sensenbrenner Votes with Majority to OK Debt-Limit Deal

Describing it as "an important step to change the direction of Washington," U.S. Rep. Jim Sensensbrenner on Monday voted in favor of a compromise bill to raise the nation's debt limit.

The Budget Control Act passed the House by a 269-161 vote. Sensenbrenner, who represents Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District, was one of 174 Republicans who backed the measure. There were 66 Republicans who voted against it.

"With bipartisan support, this bill will save taxpayers trillions of dollars and start to put our nation on a fiscally sustainable path," Sensenbrenner said in a statement shortly after the vote. "I am encouraged that Congress is no longer talking about whether or not we should cut spending, but how much to cut.

“While this is not a perfect bill, in this time of divided government, we cannot allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good," he added.

"Today, the House passed legislation that enacts real cuts greater than the increase of the debt ceiling. Additionally, this bill rejects the president’s request for job-killing tax increases," Sensenbrenner said.

“The end goal has not changed, which is to bring long-term spending reform to Washington and avert a debt crisis. The next generation and our future economic growth depend on it. This bill is one step toward that goal, and I look forward to continuing the fight to rein in out-of-control deficits and get our economy on the right track again.”