Debt Limit? GOP Representatives Who Oppose Federal Spending Owe Thousands In Credit Card Debt

Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold, like many of her fellow Republican freshmen, has argued that the government, like individuals, should avoid debt. In January, she released a statement arguing that the government debt was too high and “like the rest of America, the government needs to tighten its belt and work within its means.” Farenthold apparently has not taken her own advice, as financial disclosure forms reveal she owes between $45,000 and $150,000 in personal credit card debt. Steve Ellis, vice-president of anti-federal spending organization Taxpayers for Common Sense, draws the obvious conclusion about Farenthold and her fellow freshman Republicans in debt.

“If they’re responsible for their own personal finances, then they may have a mind-set to be frugal with the federal Treasury,” said Ellis. “But if they can’t keep their personal finances in order, then you have to wonder how they’re going to handle the federal budget.”

Perhaps as a result of this Republican hypocrisy, polls show that more voters would blame Republicans than Democrats if the government defaults on its debt. [Washington Post]

Start your day with National Memo Newsletter

Know first.

The opinions that matter. Delivered to your inbox every morning

Joe Biden
President Joe Biden

Last week,The Economist's presidential polling average set in motion a reevaluation of the general election when President Joe Biden pulled ahead of Donald Trump for the first time since September 2023.

Keep reading...Show less
Alex Jones

Alex Jones

At a press conference on Tuesday, March 26, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told reporters that there was no sign of terrorism or foul play in the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge — which had been struck by a freighter. According to Moore and the Biden White House, there was no indication that it was anything other than a tragic accident.

Keep reading...Show less
{{ post.roar_specific_data.api_data.analytics }}