Midland, MI – Today, following the statement from Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) released the following statement on the looming fiscal cliff.

“Many pundits in Washington believe the number one problem facing the country is the deficit, but my constituents believe the number one problem facing them and their families is a lack of good jobs.  So, while it is important to address this fiscal crisis, we must also address our jobs crisis – and I applaud the Speaker for focusing on both.  

“The problem with the President’s proposed tax hike is that while it may generate more revenue, it will also mean over 700,000 fewer jobs for American workers – that’s the equivalent of roughly every job created in the United States in the last 5 months.  

“There is a better path forward than simply increasing tax rates, and one in which both sides can claim victory.  We can address both our jobs crisis and our debt crisis by focusing on tax reform that strengthens the economy.  There is bipartisan support for tax reform that closes loopholes and lowers rates.  I believe the House and Senate are prepared to act next year on reform, and that not only means a fairer tax code and more jobs, but also more revenue to help solve our nation’s debt and deficit problems.  

“The only mandate that comes from a divided government is the requirement to work together.  Tax reform is the compromise and the solution, and I urge the President to take up the Speaker’s offer to work together in our nation’s best interest on fundamental and comprehensive tax reform – just as President Reagan and Speaker Tip O’Neill did in the 1980s.”