July 25, 2011

With the deadline eight days away and no resolution in sight, U.S. House Republicans, led by local Congressman Eric Cantor, presented a new plan to raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling and prevent the country from defaulting.

It calls for two votes, according to CNN. The first would approve $1.2 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade while raising the debt ceiling through the end of 2011. The second vote would raise the debt limit through 2012, but only if Congress approves a series of major tax reforms and entitlement changes.

The proposed debt ceiling deal is similar to a measure the White House has already rejected, which doesn't sit well with some in the Seventh Congressional District. The Louisa and Orange county residents are upset, questioning the motives of Cantor, their local representative and the House Majority Leader.

“He's a politician. He's not for the people as far as I'm concerned,” said Robert Jankins.

Jankins, who lives in Zion Crossroads, says Cantor is looking more at his potential political gain versus working for a solution. “He did what he did and said what he said to try to get up the ladder a little bit.”

Democrats blame Cantor for hindering the progress of both sides working toward a compromise. Seventh District residents say they're tired of the political hard-ball and want leaders in Washington to take action.

“I think what the Republicans are doing right now is going to blow up in their face. I think the people are eventually going to hold them responsible for political reasons, toying with something that should not be toyed with,” said Seventh District resident David Martin.

That includes possibly making cuts to social security.

“I think the Democrats are playing a little bit of scare tactics with that because I think they're going to pay social security.”

President Barack Obama will address the nation Monday night at 9pm.