Politics & Government

2 of 5 San Diego County Members of Congress Vote Against Debt Deal

The deal passed by both chambers was opposed by Reps. Duncan Hunter and Bob Filner.

Both Congressional chambers have approved the $2.4 trillion debt-ceiling compromise, and it is expected to get President Barack Obama's signature, just hours before the deadline. 

The debt deal—which was struck among leaders over the weekend—passed the Senate on Tuesday morning by a 74-26 vote after it was approved by the House by a 269-161 vote Monday. 

Of the five congressional leaders who represent the San Diego County region, two voted against the measure: Representatives Duncan Hunter and Bob Filner.

Hunter, a Republican who represents parts of East and North County, noted that defense spending is at risk under the deal. 

“Right now, the U.S. military is facing large equipment shortfalls and growing reset burdens while engaged in three wars,” said Hunter, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “When we should be talking about what our military needs to keep us safe and prepare for future threats, there’s a misconception that security spending is what put the country in this fiscal sinkhole and the only way out is to cut national defense." 

Hunter supported the "Boehner plan" and "Cut, Cap and Balance" as alternatives to the compromise, and said he wanted to see cuts equal to or greater than any increase in the debt ceiling. 

Other leaders, Democrat Susan Davis and Republicans Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray, voted in favor of the bill that did not include direct cuts to Medicaid or Social Security nor did it include tax hikes—concerns lobbied by both political parties.

Bilbray said passage should help those who are unemployed.

"This legislation is a critical step in helping Americans who are in desperate need of work because it focuses on creating a more confident atmosphere for small businesses to hire and prevents further burdening families with job-destroying tax increases,'' Bilbray said in a statement. 

Both California Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein also voted in favor of the bill. 

Leaders will immediately cut $1 trillion in spending and a Congressional committee labeled the "Super Congress" will be formed with six members from each political party. The members will be asked to find $1.5 trillion in savings to reduce the deficit. 

City News Service contributed to this report.

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