Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Debt Ceiling Debate

Governor Chafee and his Cabinet have been monitoring the situation closely and are preparing in a manner consistent with the lead-up to the possible federal government shutdown in April of this year. The Governor, his staff, and his Cabinet are examining the potential effects of a failure to reach a solution and are planning accordingly.

Governor Chafee has called – in both the local and national media – for an end to the stalemate and feels strongly that a solution to this serious quagmire must be reached. He supports President Obama and the efforts of his former Senate colleagues – including Republicans Mike Crapo of Idaho, Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma – to include necessary revenue enhancements as part of a compromise solution. The Governor believes that Rhode Island, and indeed the United States, cannot afford anything that will slow or impede our economic recovery.