N.M. Delegation Frustrated Over Lack of a Deal

Luján: Worried about cuts to national labs

The state’s U.S. senators and representatives – like all other members of Congress except party leaders – were shut out of negotiations and watched from the sidelines as the House and Senate failed to reach a deal with the White House to prevent tax hikes and deep spending cuts set to go into effect today.

HEINRICH: Averting middle-class tax hikes a priority

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., proposed Monday that Congress pass a bill to avert tax hikes and postpone the spending cuts to allow for more negotiation. But House leaders said they would not vote on that plan in the waning hours of 2012.

“Like many New Mexicans, I am disappointed with how this process has played out,” Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., said in a statement. “The outline of a deal that has emerged is not perfect, but it has elements of a compromise that protects middle-class families from an income tax hike and ensures that (the unemployed) will continue to have support during this difficult time.”

Luján also voiced concern about looming spending cuts that would have significant impact on the budgets of New Mexico’s national labs.

“It is vital that Congress finds a way forward with a plan that avoids devastating cuts that can damage the vitality of our national labs and our nation’s competitiveness,” he said.

Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said he was troubled by the approach congressional leaders were taking in negotiating a compromise.

“I am very disillusioned with the short-term nature of the current negotiations,” Udall said. “This is our best chance to put a long-term vision on the table to deal with the debt and deficit to protect future generations and guard against another recession. Ultimately, I’d like us to strike a more comprehensive agreement that protects federal jobs and vulnerable families in New Mexico.”

Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., was also critical of the current approach to solving the nation’s debt crisis. He said he cannot support any deal that does not make significant spending reductions – more than

PEARCE: Says significant spending cuts needed

what is being proposed.

“What will we say to our children and grandchildren if our country fails – and we are heading for failure?” Pearce asked. “I’m more concerned about our long-term viability.”

Sen.-elect Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., – in a Journal interview before the House adjourned for the day – said he was encouraged by McConnell’s proposal because it would have prevented tax hikes on middle-class Americans, which he called a priority in an already shaky economy.

“I would very much like to see us make sure that tax rates don’t go up on middle-class families tomorrow morning,” Heinrich said Monday.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, who is retiring from Congress, could not be reached for comment Monday.
— This article appeared on page A3 of the Albuquerque Journal

UDALL: Wants a “long-term vision on the table”