Missouri Congresswoman-elect Ann Wagner says she would not support any plan to increase tax rates to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff.”
The Republican says she does see room for compromise in reforming the nation’s tax code.
Ann Wagner was elected to the congressional seat vacated by Republican Todd Akin during his failed Senate campaign.
A former ambassador to Luxembourg and co-chair of the Republican National Committee, Wagner says she would not support a deficit reduction plan which eliminates the Bush-era tax cuts on the wealthiest 2% of Americans.
“I am certainly at this point in time; I would not be in favor of increasing taxes on individuals, on the private sector, or on small businesses,” Wagner said. “ However I do believe that real tax reform and revenues vis-a-vis loopholes and deductions are a supreme possibility.”
Wagner said she’s optimistic that a deal will yet be reached during Congress’ lame-duck session.
Wagner also shared her views on the deaths of death of four Americans at a U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. She says its too early to assign blame.
Wagner withheld judgment about what many in the GOP are calling a “cover up.”
CWagner did say she thinks the American public deserves answers on Benghazi, but that her biggest concern is for the safety and security of diplomats serving abroad.
Wagner, herself a former ambassador to Luxembourg, said that any time lives are lost a full investigation is necessary, however she took a step back from some of her Republican colleagues who are accusing the White House of covering up the truth about the attacks for political gain.
“I think there’s still fact-finding and information that needs to be delved into and I think that will happen over time,” Wagner said. “ I think it’s not productive to have name calling and finger pointing at a time when we’re still investigating.”
Ann Wagner is set to be sworn in to the 113th Congress on January 3rd.