WASHINGTON, D.C. (KCBD) -
As the first of the year
approaches, current tax rates will expire and across the board and defense cuts
will go into effect. This is what many on Capitol Hill refer to as the
"Fiscal Cliff." Congress has yet to come to an agreement.
Congressman Randy Neugebauer
said although discussions have focused on tax policy, he believes the main
issue our country faces is too much spending.
"Really, the reason we have
these huge deficits right now is not because we don't collect enough money. It's because we spend too much money," said Congressman Neugebauer.
In regards to Republicans and
Democrats coming to an agreement to avoid the "Fiscal Cliff," KCBD NewsChannel
11 asked Congressman Neugebauer his thoughts on making those discussions public
for the American people to hear as the current approval rating for Congress is
not very high.
"Transparency is a healthy thing
for government," said Neugebauer. "I didn't like the talks were behind
the scenes for healthcare." He said he supports the idea, but the
White House is resisting them.
Congressman Neugebauer said it
is difficult to predict if Congress would come to an agreement before
Christmas.
"The President is focusing on taxes and doesn't want to talk
about spending. I don't see us getting it done before the 31st of December."
Congressman Neugebauer also wants to have
lawmakers come together and make a resolution for the Farm Bill, which expired
last September. Many local farmers depend on the bill for crop
subsidies. Congressman Neugebauer wants to include it in a budget deal to
avoid year-end tax increases.
He also said he wants to keep transparency
alive in the financial markets to ensure that farmers can afford to use the
tools they are provided. Neugebauer said he is specifically looking into
the Dodd-Frank bill driving up the cost of capital.
"One of the things we've been very concerned
about is that with these over 400 rules of Dodd-Frank," he said. Neugebauer says it may hinder local farmers from being able to manage the risks they take with
their inputs.
In addition to the Farm Bill,
Neugebauer wants to address other expired bills, including those surrounding
unemployment and doctor reimbursements.
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