Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) after opposing legislation to increase the nation’s debt limit:

“After weeks of discussions and trying to reach a conclusion to get the government up and running, the bill that was on the House floor today did nothing to address the nation’s out-of-control spending. I came to Washington with a promise that I would rein in spending and after hearing from my constituents who want the same, I could not vote for legislation that does not begin to tackle the debt. We need to have serious discussions regarding entitlement reform and structural changes to the budget so we can begin to make significant headway on the debt. Americans want Congress to address the drivers of our debt and spending. Simply increasing the nation’s debt limit with no discussion of entitlement reform or serious spending cuts is not the answer.”