Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Debt Ceiling Deal Passes Senate

The Associated Press reports via Yahoo News that the debt ceiling bill was passed by the Senate 74-26 and will be signed by the President. The U.S. government won't default on its obligations after all; an outcome we more-or-less anticipated, or hoped for.

According to USA Today, in the Senate 19 Republicans, 6 Democrats and one independent voted "no." I find it interesting that in the Senate more Republicans voted against the bill, while in the House it was more Democrats voting "no."

This difference reflects the gerrymandered nature of House districts, which tend to be very much biased toward one party. Senators, representing an entire state, have a greater need to appeal to the entire electorate therein. However, in the last few years as states become more "blue" or "red," that need decreases.