McHenry votes ‘no’ on fiscal cliff deal, Shuler votes ‘yes’

Late on the evening of Jan. 1, the U.S House of Representatives followed the Senate in passing a bill to avert the “fiscal cliff” – a series of steep tax hikes and spending cuts that went in to effect at midnight the same day. If left in place, experts worried that the national economy could fall in to recession.

The bill represented an effort to compromise between Republican and Democratic leaders. However some representatives on both sides of the aisle remained opposed. Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, who represents the 10th District, which includes most of Asheville, voted against the measure. He joined 150 other Republicans and 16 Democrats in the House who voted against it. Voting in favor were 172 Democrats and 85 Republicans, including GOP Speaker of House John A. Boehner of Ohio. In what’s likely to be his last vote as a congressman, outgoing 11th District Democratic Rep. Heath Shuler voted in support.

One of the most controversial aspects of the deal will allow income taxes to rise for the highest earning Americans. It will be the first time income taxes will rise on anyone in the country in two decades, according to the New York Times. President Barack Obama advocated for similar changes throughout his successful campaign for reelection and planned to sign the bill in to law.

Here’s the statement released by McHenry immediately after the vote:

McHenry Disappointed in Fiscal Cliff Tax Hikes

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Patrick McHenry issued the following remarks regarding passage of the fiscal cliff deal reached by President Obama and leaders in Congress:

“I’m disappointed with the inability of leaders in Washington to come together and protect Americans from tax hikes,” said Congressman McHenry. “The real problem is that the federal government spends too much money.  That’s why conservatives in the House passed legislation to stop these tax hikes and replace sequestration with targeted spending cuts.  Unfortunately, we’ll continue to see dangerously high deficits until President Obama and Harry Reid get serious about our government spending more money than we take in.”

Earlier this year, the National Federation of Independent Business released a study by accounting firm Ernst & Young. The study demonstrated that tax rate increases favored by President Obama would result in 700,000 lost jobs across the country and reduced wages for other workers of 1.8 percent.

“Throughout this debate, the President repeatedly stated his hope for a balanced deal,” continued Congressman McHenry. “However, the legislation passed tonight actually increases both taxes and spending. That is simply unacceptable and I couldn’t vote for such a measure.”

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

5 thoughts on “McHenry votes ‘no’ on fiscal cliff deal, Shuler votes ‘yes’

  1. Dionysis

    How about a little light on the subject? The innocuously titled ‘National Federation of Independent Businesses’ is a conservative lobbying group, started in 1943 by a former Chamber of Commerce staffer. It was the lead plaintiff in fighting the Affordable Health Care Act, causing it to go to the Supreme Court. It is funded in large part by the Koch Brothers and Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS (who gave them 3.7 million dollars).

    During 2012, the organization’s entire advertising budget went to supporting Republican candidates or opposing Democratic candidates. 100% of it.

    This so-called ‘study’ was paid for by this big-business front group, and was actually done by a former Bush official who now works for the accounting firm.

    More smoke and mirrors to disinform the public.

  2. thomas

    what is the big deal re: fiscal cliff? this is an easy issue to resole.

    1. save 1,7 trillion by eliminating obama care. 1.7 trillion is only for one million people, but rest asure at least 10 million will sign on so that number of savings is 17 trillion.

    2 eliminate the war in afganistan and save 2 billiuon a day. add that number up and multiply by 360 days. what a savings.

    3. eleminate all foreign aid. ww2 is over and the money is used against the u.s. a savings of oever 50 billion.

    4. cut the beneifits of all pols. no more country club, free hair cuts, etc. cut their pay as they want to cut social security and medicare.

    so what is the problem with resolving the fiscal cliff?

  3. Unaffiliated Voter

    How are facts attained by an accounting firm ‘smoke and mirrors’? Such is the make up of the Obongo Regime.

    • Dionysis

      I just noticed this question or I would have replied before now. Smoke and mirrors because this study suggests something not found in reality:

      “…the Ernst & Young report assumed the revenue would be used for

Leave a Reply to thomas ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.