WASHINGTON, D.C. – The North Coast's congressman said he voted on Monday for legislation to avoid a default on the nation's financial obligations.

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, was among those who voted for the bill, which made it through the house following weeks of haggling over the debt ceiling.

“I voted for the compromise legislation to avoid defaulting on our nation’s debt,” Thompson said in a statement issued in his office Monday evening.

He added, “Given that our nation was hours away from defaulting on its obligations, I felt a responsibility to vote yes.”

Thompson, who had criticized previous proposals – including a bill put forward by House Speaker John Boehner – didn't offer further comment on the bill.

As the House of Representatives was voting on the bill, Thompson's friend and colleague Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), shot seven months ago while holding a meeting with constituents, returned to the House for the first time to cast her vote for the legislation.

Thompson's Facebook page later featured the message, “Welcome back Gabby!”

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