Stutzman, Pence voted against fiscal cliff deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WANE) - Indiana Third District Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement Tuesday announcing his opposition to legislation passed by the U.S. Senate and House to avert the fiscal cliff:

"A tax hike without spending cuts is not a serious attempt to solve our country's debt crisis," said Stutzman. "We face a debt crisis because Congress and President Obama have refused to make hard choices and this latest deal is just another example. It's time for Washington to get serious and reform our nation's entitlements and tax structure, not just simply raise taxes that will hurt small business owners and their employees."

The Congressman did say under the new deal, people who make less than $450,000 will not see any changes in their taxes which he says is a good thing. However, Stutzman wanted the proposal to also include spending and address entitlement programs.

"I’ll oppose the president on raising taxes on anyone if he doesn’t cut spending," Stutzman said. "You cannot raise taxes enough to pay off  $16 trillion in debt."

The U.S. House voted to approve the Senate's fiscal cliff bill in a vote of 257-167 around 11 p.m. Tuesday night.

"This back and forth between the House and Senate is a good thing because it's the way that the process was designed is that the House passes a proposal, the Senate makes a counter offer, the House looks at it, maybe they agree, maybe they don't, and they finally find that middle ground," Stutzman said.

Although a deal was reached, spending is still a major issue Republicans want to see addressed at some point. The bill passed currently puts off dealing with cutting federal spending until February.

Stutzman was joined in 'nay' votes by fellow Republican representatives Larry Bucshon, Todd Rokita, and Todd Young.

Governor-elect Mike Pence also voted against the legislation. Retiring Republican representative Dan Burton did not vote. Democratic representative Pete Visclosky was the long Democrat in the Indiana delegation to vote against the bill.

Democratic House members Andre Carson and Joe Donnelly (Senator-elect) voted for the legislation.

Republican senators Dan Coats and Dick Lugar voted for the legislation in Tuesday morning's vote in the upper chamber.