But as it stands, President Barack Obama calls the sequester arbitrary and irresponsible.
"These cuts do not have to happen," said President Obama. "Congress can turn them off anytime with just a little bit of compromise.'
Republicans say the president is grandstanding.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal accused Obama of fear-mongering.
"The president needs to stop trying to scare the American people that, absolutely, you can cut less than three percent without all these awful consequences - without people losing access to critical vaccines, without people, without us jeopardizing food inspections," said Jindal.
But economist William Gale says Republicans' insistence on across the board spending cuts ignores economic reality.
"We should be talking about boosting the economy, boosting spending, not cutting spending right now," said Gale.
Reports suggest Republicans may be willing to modify the sequester to give the administration discretion in deciding which programs to cut. Analysts say such a move would give Republicans political cover but place responsibility for the economic impact squarely on the president.
最新
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25