It is clear that the debt limit must be increased. Failure...

It is clear that the debt limit must be increased. Failure to approve an increase would have dire consequences for government finances and financial markets. Delaying action on an increase until the last possible moment, forcing Treasury to utilize extraordinary measures to avoid a default, is unnecessary and irresponsible. However, under the current fiscal circumstances approving a large-scale increase in the debt limit without a plan to restore fiscal discipline would also be irresponsible.