More Deadlines For Congress In 2013

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
January 02, 2013 5:07 PM


America began to fall off the fiscal cliff just as people were ringing in the New Year. But, a New Year's Day compromise in the nations capitol appears to have stopped the fall that would have raised taxes for just about every American.

The new compromise may just be the beginning for republicans and democrats in Washington.

American households making $450-thousand annually will shoulder an almost 5 percent increase in taxes. And most Americans and South Dakotans won't be forced to pay thousands extra in taxes.  

“The bill that passed the house last night means permanent lower tax rates for 99% of South Dakotans. And that really brought some certainty to South Dakotan families,” said Representative Kristi Noem.  

“It's far from perfect. But, the alternative was to stand by and watch taxes go up on every South Dakota taxpayer on January 1st and that's just something we could not allow,” added Senator John Thune.

For now, a major tax issue has been sorted, but republican leaders in Washington are eager to curb federal spending.    

“We need to deal with what's driving federal spending and that’s a handful of entitlement programs and reform them in a way that saves and protects them for future generations and makes them sustainable. So, we don't end up bankrupting the country,” said Senator Thune.

Even further down the road, more farm bill talks. Senator Thune and Representative Noem are both disappointed the house only extended the deadline instead of signing a new 5-year bill.   

“We put a good bill together on the house side that should have passed. We should have had a 5 year bill that was finalized,” said Rep. Noem.

Senators kept busy at the end of 2012 and with more important deadlines this year, 2013 looks to be just as hectic.

Senator Johnson was unavailable for an interview but did release this statement.      

“We still have a lot of work to do. The sequestration budget cuts were only postponed for 2 months. We are faced with having to raise the debt ceiling. We need to finish the farm bill. We have a lot on our plate to get done.”