In the News

WASHINGTON, D.C. --Freshman Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) said he is anxious to see the results of behind-closed-doors negotiations.

"Everybody here is on pins and needles about that...we were supposed to be in the district all week, that's been cancelled," said Griffith.

But, he is standing firm that he will not vote for a plan that includes a tax increase for any American.

"I would not be willing to compromise on raising taxes on the people of the United States and hurting our economy further," said Griffith.

The region's other U.S. Congressman, Doctor Phil Roe (R) of Johnson City, also said he will not vote to raise taxes.

"Not until we get spending under control...we're not going to see anybody supporting raising taxes," said Roe.

Both said without significant spending cuts they will not vote in favor of raising the debt ceiling.

"Whatever we cut has to be higher than the debt," said Roe.

"We weren't elected to make the easy answers, we were elected to make the best answers," said Griffith.

Congressman Griffith suggested two cost savings options: raising the retirement age to 67 and reducing the number of troops in Europe.

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