The Hill News

The Senate on Tuesday approved an agreement to raise the debt limit by at least $2.1 trillion just hours before the administration warned the U.S. would begin defaulting on its obligations.

The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 74 to 24. Forty-eight Democrats joined 28 Republicans and one Independent to send the measure to President Obama, who signed it into law about an hour later.

The deal, which ended weeks of grueling and contentious debate, left many senators on both sides of the aisle unhappy with the consequences of yes or no votes. Many felt a sense of relief in ending the debt-ceiling debate, but few were completely happy with the outcome.

Many Democrats felt the bill would hurt middle-class Americans. GOP senators claimed the bill did not go far enough to cut spending and reduce the deficit. 

Senators spoke out Tuesday to explain and defend their votes. 

Click through to watch members of both parties clarify the! ir positions.

Graham | Coats | Hoeven

Warner | Menendez | Durbin 

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