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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina Republican congressmen are criticizing President Obama's proposal for $1.5 trillion in new taxes to help ease the federal deficit.

1st District Rep. Tim Scott called the proposal unconscionable while the 2nd District's Joe Wilson says he's shocked by the proposal.

The president's plan would raise taxes on the rich to help the nation ease the deficit.

Rep. Jeff Duncan says the economy will improve if the government gets out of the way. And California U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House's third-ranking Republican says you don't create jobs by taxing the wealthy.

The congressmen were in Charleston Monday to tour Boeing and see the city's port facilities.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)