RI reps. weigh in on fiscal cliff

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A deal has been reached, but the country is still headed over the fiscal cliff, at least temporarily.

The Senate and the White House finally hammered out remaining issues on spending, but the House has no plans to vote tonight.

Earlier today, Eyewitness News spoke with both of Rhode Island's Congressmen via satellite from Washington about the ongoing discussions.

Rep. Jim Langevin said he is, "frustrated that we haven't been able to reach a bipartisan agreement long before now."

But both seemed confident 98-percent of us will not have to pay higher taxes.

Rep. David Cicilline tells Eyewitness News, he's spoken with constituents who earn 400-thousand dollars a year and higher about sending more to Washington.

"They understand that they want it done in a responsible way.  They want to have confidence that the money we're generating is being used to pay down the debt," said Rep. Cicilline.

Despite tonight's last minute push to avoid the cliff, spending cuts discussion is not close to being over.

"Unfortunately, the decisions being made right now are just on the revenue side.  We will then again kick the can a bit farther down the road whether it's two or three months on the budget cutting side," said Rep. Langevin.

House members are due back at noon Tuesday and will get the fiscal cliff compromise bill once the Senate passes it.