Rogers Votes for Deal to Avoid Fiscal CliffRogers Votes for Deal to Avoid Fiscal Cliff

1/2/13 - Livingston County’s voice in Congress joined with members of both sides of the political aisle late Tuesday night as the Republican-led U.S. House overcame deep partisan divisions and crafted a temporary measure to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff. Republican Mike Rogers (pictured here talking with reporters at the Capitol on New Year's Eve) was among 5 of the state’s 8 GOP House members who voted for the deal which places higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans. Many Republicans were angry it didn’t include deeper spending cuts and voted against the plan. The vote passed 257-167 including 85 GOP votes, while only 16 Democrats voted against it. The Michigan delegation voted 12-3 on the legislation, with all seven Democrats favoring it and Republicans split 5-3 in favor. Joining Rogers in voting for the plan were fellow Republicans Candace Miller, Dan Benishek, David Camp and Fred Upton. Justin Amash, Bill Huizenga and Tim Walberg voted against it. While President Obama praised leaders of both parties for the deal, Rogers is among many Republicans who feel the way the President handled the process will make it harder for much else to get done in the next session. Rogers told the Wall Street Journal that Obama (quote) “doesn't play well with others" and is in “for a bumpy road, given his tactics" which he says have focused on railing against Congress and Republicans in particular instead of launching a dialogue. Picture courtesy of REUTERS-Jonathan Ernst.