Senators Reluctantly Back Debt Deal (Roll Call)

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Rank-and-file lawmakers on both sides of the aisle told reporters they expect strong support for the package as an alternative to a potentially catastrophic default.

However, some Senators still expressed concerns about the details of the agreement. Liberals worried the cuts were too deep and lamented the lack of any revenues, while conservatives wanted even deeper cuts and, at the same time, are nervous about a trigger that could slash defense spending.

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Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) touted the package, saying that if they cut an amount equal to the debt limit increase every time the debt ceiling is brought up during the next decade, Congress would be able to balance the budget.

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) said he was disappointed at the cuts and the lack of taxes in the deal.

“There will never be a long-term solution until we have revenue,” he said. And he said the deal isn’t going to do anything to put people back to work.

And Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) ripped the package because nothing would come from the wealthy and from corporations.

“This deficit reduction package is grotesquely unfair and it is also bad economic policy,” he said.