Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after President Obama held his final press conference of his first term:

“President Obama is correct – Republicans must not threaten the full faith and credit of the United States.  America always pays its bills, and Republicans should not use veterans, seniors, small businesses, public safety, or the stability of our housing and stock markets as leverage.

“Congress must pay for the bills it already committed.  Republicans who are threatening to force America to default on its debt for the first time in our history will do great damage to our economy, to our middle class, and to our world standing.  We must not forget that this type of rhetoric from House Republicans led to the first downgrade of our country’s credit rating, weakened our economy, and cost American taxpayers in 2011.

“With the start of the new Congress, we have the opportunity for a fresh start.  We must seek common ground and work together, Democrats and Republicans, to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and grow the economy, as we reduce our deficit in a balanced way.”