Speaker of the House, John Boehner, and House Republicans have stated their intentions to, once again, hold our country hostage, in future debt ceiling deals.
When George W. Bush was in office, Congress raised the debt ceiling 7 times. There was never a stipulation that required budget cuts in exchange for them.
Congress should not cut programs that would hurt the needy and elderly. Instead, they should make cuts to their own salaries, perks and benefits. Subsidies to corporations and oil companies should also be cut. Social Security should not receive cuts, as it is self-sustaining, separate from the federal budget, and paid for by payroll tax.
If Congress puts our country at risk of financial collapse by obstructionism, the President needs to invoke the 14th Amendment immediately.