Dutta-Gupta Testifies in Back-to-Back Congressional Hearings about Debt Ceiling

Arguably the biggest topic in D.C. these days is the debt ceiling limit. Extremists in the U.S. House of Representatives are proposing draconian cuts and work-reporting requirements for key programs that support economic security for tens of millions of people. CLASP’s president and executive director, Indi Dutta-Gupta, was invited to testify yesterday to the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) and last week to the House Budget Committee. In both hearings, he discussed:

• Why many people rely on federal programs to achieve a basic living standard.
• How the extremists’ proposal would undermine the wellbeing of our nation’s people.
• The importance of raising federal revenues.
• The dangers of failing to raise the debt limit.

During the pandemic, we have learned lessons, shared experiences, tested solutions, and revealed realities about the state of our economy, never-ending racial and gender inequities, a democracy under constant siege, and basic human fatigue. 

Throughout it all, CLASP has remained nimble and responsive, advancing public policy that meets human needs and upholds human dignity. At the end of the day, what we seek is impact.

We applaud Chairman Sanders (I-VT), Senator Gillibrand (D-NY), and Representative DeLauro (D-CT) for reintroducing the Healthy Families Act and for making plans to reintroduce the Family And Medical Insurance Leave Act soon. Together, these bills would help working people care for themselves and their families without sacrificing their job or paycheck.