Some Republicans open to idea of tax increases in deficit reduction deal

Story from Here & Now. Listen to the above audio for a complete report.

Some leading Republicans are indicating they might be open to tax increases as part of a larger deal as Congress faces a deadline to cut the federal deficit by at least $1.2 trillion.

Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) told NPR that he believes “you can get higher revenue through tax reform and economic growth.”

Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) told the Christian Science Monitor that he doesn’t want to have to choose between a tax hike and cutting defense spending.

And Representative Jeff Flake, (R-Ariz.) says he is open to abolishing some tax deductions, like the one for ethanol producers.  Their stance is opening up a widening debate with the Republican party over taxes, deficits, and economic growth.