Local lawmaker reaction to fiscal cliff negotiations

Several U.S. Senators are rejoicing over their ability to compromise and pass a bill on the fiscal cliff.  

"This is a much better tax outcome under Obama than I would have guessed.  It preserves the Bush tax cuts for 99% of Americans, with good policy on the death tax, dividends and capital gains, so important to small business," said Senator David Vitter, (R-LA).  

"Just as importantly, it makes it all permanent, which we could never do before.  But of course we still must pass real and dramatic spending reform.  For me, that's a non-negotiable requirement of all budget or debt limit bills, due around March 1," Vitter said.

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, (D-LA) was also pleased and released several tweets, stating the "Senate deal reached this am shows we can work together to protect the middle class and extend tax cuts for 98 percent of Louisianans. "

In Texas, both U.S. Senators also supported the bill. Senator John Cornyn,(R-TX) stated, "I voted for this bill because it prevents a huge tax increase on 99% of all Texans and Americans. Nonetheless, I am dismayed at the lack of seriousness by the President on dealing with the core issues of our fiscal problems. Our spending is unsustainable and it is high time the President and his party engage in meaningful dialogue to get this country's spending under control."

Meanwhile Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison was just happy to cast her last vote. At least that was her reaction on Twitter. She said "it has been an honor to serve in the greatest nation on Earth."

In Arkansas, Senator John Boozman said he's proud the Senate was able to compromise, but he still wishes that Congress could get government spending under control.

"I am proud that we were able to come to an agreement to prevent the largest tax hike in American history," said U.S. Senator John Boozman, (R-AR).
 
"However, there is no reason we should wait until the last minute to address these important policy decisions. I am ready in the next Congress to continue to address the need to get Washington's spending under control and this starts with sound financial planning and passing a budget in the Senate."

Senator Mike Ross did not send out a statement and we've been unable to reach anyone at his office.

Meanwhile House Republicans are dissatisfied with the Senate's solution.
According to the Rep. John Fleming, (D), LA-District 1, the Senate's bill will add four trillion dollars to the national debt within ten years. He said he would like to see an amendment that pushes back defense cuts for a year, instead of two months, which the Senate's bill proposes. To pay for that, he said there should be more cuts to entitlement programs.

Amendment or not, he said he's not voting in favor of the bill because it does not include enough spending cuts, and raises taxes on the job creators, which he said will be harmful to the economy.