A recent Monmouth University poll has revealed that New Jersey residents overwhelmingly prefer a “clean” debt deal, with a 2:1 preference for such an agreement. The poll, which was conducted in early October, surveyed 802 New Jersey residents and found that 62% of respondents favored a clean debt deal, while only 30% preferred a deal that included additional policy measures.
So what exactly is a clean debt deal? In simple terms, it refers to an agreement to raise the debt ceiling without any additional policy measures attached. The debt ceiling is the maximum amount of money that the federal government is allowed to borrow in order to fund its operations. When the government reaches the debt ceiling, it cannot borrow any more money and is forced to either cut spending or default on its obligations.
In recent years, the debt ceiling has become a contentious issue in Congress, with some lawmakers using it as a bargaining chip to push for policy changes or budget cuts. This has led to several government shutdowns and near-defaults on the nation’s debt.
The Monmouth poll found that New Jersey residents are tired of this political brinksmanship and want a clean debt deal that simply allows the government to continue borrowing money to pay its bills. This sentiment was shared across party lines, with 68% of Democrats, 60% of independents, and 54% of Republicans favoring a clean deal.
The poll also found that New Jersey residents are concerned about the potential consequences of not raising the debt ceiling. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) said they were worried about the impact on the economy if the government were to default on its debt, while only 28% said they were not worried.
These concerns are not unfounded. A default on the nation’s debt could have serious consequences for the economy, including higher interest rates, a weaker dollar, and a potential recession. It could also damage the country’s reputation as a safe haven for investors and undermine its ability to borrow money in the future.
Given these concerns, it is clear that a clean debt deal is the best option for New Jersey residents and the country as a whole. It would allow the government to continue borrowing money to fund its operations without risking a default on its debt. Hopefully, lawmakers in Congress will take note of this poll and work together to reach a clean debt deal that benefits all Americans.
