Rep. Stutzman: we don't need to pass anymore gun laws

KENDALLVILLE, Ind. (WANE) - Gun control was just one of the issues people were talking about at an open house Congressman Marlin Stutzman hosted Thursday.  He also talked with folks about the fiscal cliff resolution and budget issues.

Fiscal Cliff and Budget Issues
Now that the fiscal cliff is behind us, some people are wondering how lawmakers really feel about the temporary fix.  Congressman Marlin Stutzman isn't happy with it.

"I felt like there were several things in it that just violated the principles of tax policy," (R) U.S. Congressman of the 3rd District in Indiana, Marlin Stutzman said.

Stutzman said tax increases will effect the majority of Americans.  Some small businesses may feel the brunt of it though.

"The top bracket is going to go up, which is going to catch a lot of small businesses.  I heard today from folks that small businesses are just at the limit.  They can't take it anymore.  Whether it's the healthcare law, regulations, taxation."

One thing he was hoping would be addressed is our country's growing debt problem.

"We didn't focus on cutting and holding spending down.  It actually increased spending.  So, I was not supportive of that.  The 16 trillion dollars of debt - we've got to reign spending in at some point."

Stutzman said there are several areas where we could make cuts and reduce spending.

• Military - We could take active military and put them into our guard bases, air guard, national guard. 
• Reform social safety nets - social security, medicaid
• Entitlement programs - We have 80 different welfare programs - food stamps being one of the largest.  Stutzman said it's out of control.

The bill that Congress approved is just a temporary, year-long fix for the fiscal cliff.

Gun Control
Vice President Joe Biden is expected to deliver new proposals to prevent gun violence to the President by Tuesday.  Congressman Stutzman said this concerns many people in northeast Indiana.  They want their second amendment rights protected.

"With the President's commission about to report, people are very concerned about what Washington would do to effect our guns.  I've told them I'm a strong proponent of the second amendment.  I don't believe that we need to pass anymore gun laws.  We really need to help those people out there that need help who have fallen through the cracks."

The White House is looking to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines.