Washington - US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today voted against the debt deal because it lowers the deficit on the backs of working class Americans, demands no sacrifices from those who can best afford it, and could jeopardize our economy's fragile recovery.

"I cannot in good conscience support a plan where soldiers, seniors, students, and working families must endure trillions in cuts, but oil companies, billionaires, and corporate jet owners are not asked to pay their fair share" said Senator Menendez. "I supported the Reid plan and previous efforts to reduce the deficit because I believe it's important to stem our nation's rising debt, but I believe that we must do so in a balanced way that calls for shared sacrifice, just as the American people have demanded. Such an unbalanced approach is not only unfair, but it could also jeopardize our already fragile economy."

Senator Menendez took to the Senate floor yesterday to explain his opposition to the plan.

###