Meehan checks in with constituents on budget

Freshman Republican Congressman Pat Meehan spent Wednesday speaking to constituents at five town hall meetings. In Radnor, questions about the budget dominated the discussion.

Meehan voted for the budget proposal drafted by Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan. Democrats have criticized the proposal for cutting Medicare. But Meehan defended his decision.

“The Ryan budget, first and foremost, keeps the commitment that we have made to America’s seniors. The idea to those 55 and over, if you like the plans you are in, if you like Medicare, it doesn’t change,” Meehan told the predominately senior audience.

Come June, Congress will have to vote on raising the nation’s debt ceiling above $14 trillion or risk default. When pressed on how he will vote, Meehan stopped short of committing himself.

“I said I do not want to see us default on our debt. Because I do believe that in the end it’s important that we send the signal that we are able to honor the commitments that we have made,” he said.

The issue will likely come down to an ideological battle between tea-party conservatives and Democrats. That puts swing district Republicans such as Meehan in a tough spot.