A lengthy and divisive debate in Washington, D.C., came to an end on Tuesday, Aug. 2, as lawmakers pushed through a last-minute deal to raise the nation’s debt ceiling and avert a government default. Three of New Hampshire’s four Congressional delegates voted in favor of the legislation.

The bill, which cuts government spending by $2.1 trillion over the next 10 years, received support from President Obama and leaders in both parties. But it did not sit well with everyone. Many Democrats were disappointed that the bill cuts spending without eliminating tax breaks for rich individuals and large corporations.

In the House, the measure passed by a vote of 269-161, receiving support from more than 72 percent of Republicans and exactly 50 percent of Democrats. New Hampshire’s two congressmen, Republicans Frank Guinta and Charlie Bass, voted in favor of the legislation. Both said in press statements that the bill is not perfect but accomplishes the goal of cutting spending without raising taxes. 

Maine’s House members were split on the bill. Democrat Michael Michaud voted in favor of the measure, while Democrat Chellie Pingree voted against it. Pingree said in a press statement that the bill would weaken the economy and put working families and seniors at risk. She called it “fundamentally unfair.”

“There is no balance to a deal that asks working families to pay while tax breaks for millionaires and big oil companies are protected,” Pingree said.

In the Senate, the bill passed by a vote of 74-26. New Hampshire’s two senators were divided, with Democrat Jeanne Shaheen voting in favor of the bill and Republican Kelly Ayotte voting against it. Maine’s two senators, Republicans Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, both voted in favor of the bill.

Votes on previous bills to raise the debt ceiling were sharply divided along party lines. A Republican House bill passed the House on July 29 but was shot down by the Senate less than two hours later. The following day, a Democratic Senate bill failed in the House, where it did not garner a single Republican vote.

The debate exposed deep ideological chasms between Republicans and Democrats in Washington and came dangerously close to an unprecedented government default on services. And it’s not over yet. The bill includes more than $900 billion in spending cuts, and a special bipartisan committee is charged with finding at least $1.2 trillion more. Congress must vote on the committee’s proposal by the end of the year.