WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement:

“It is unfortunate that some in Washington have chosen to continue putting partisan gamesmanship ahead of the economic needs of our country.

“Government spending must be cut and the deficit must be reduced. However, this should be done through shared sacrifice – not on the backs of those who could least afford it. Powerful special interests should not be exempt while Medicare and working Pennsylvanians are targeted. The unrealistic proposal voted on today by the Senate fails this test.

“The Congress and President Obama continue to discuss a debt plan. It is imperative that these discussions produce a bipartisan agreement that cuts spending and does not threaten job creation and our economic competitiveness. The stakes are too high for continued partisan politics.”