WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) released the following statement on averting the fiscal cliff:
"I'd like to congratulate President Obama on his re-election. Congratulations are also due to House Republicans who were sent back to Washington with a strong majority. We now know the results of the election, but what are the results for the American people?
"I hope President Obama responds to this election by making an effort to work with Republicans. There is no mandate for raising tax rates on the American people. There is a mandate for avoiding the fiscal cliff and finding real solutions so we can make life work for people again.
"Higher tax rates won't create jobs and they won't solve our spending crisis. Massive defense cuts won't make us safer and won't support our troops. Ignoring the problems of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid won't help people get better health care or prepare for a secure retirement. The fiscal cliff is looming, and we must provide real solutions, or face dire consequences.
"Small business owners want results, in the name of substantive tax reform and a smarter regulatory environment. Families want results, in the name of a less intrusive government, better schools and more take home pay. Delivering results will boost people's confidence in Washington and restore the promise of a brighter economic future.
"I stand with Speaker Boehner when he says 'let's rise above the dysfunction, and do the right thing together for our country.' We will work together, and with our Republican majority, to create opportunity for families, to give those in need a fair shot and to take smart steps toward a stronger American economy. Economic growth, entitlement reform and solving our spending crisis are our top priorities, and I look forward to working with President Obama to meet these challenges."
