Merkley said although it does not do as much as he wanted, it does ensure that the wealthy will be contributing more as we work to bring our deficits under control.

Wyden said he's glad congress was able to steer Americans from steep income tax increases on the middle class, but said he will do everything possible to end the political  brinksmanship and work for bipartisan budget and medicare reforms.

And Republican U.S. Congressman Greg Walden voted for the legislation in the House.  He said although the plan isn't perfect, he could not sit by as taxes go up on all Americans, including more than three thousand dollars a year for the average Oregon family.