Deadline to Avoid Sequester Looming over Washington - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Deadline to Avoid Sequester Looming over Washington

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WASHINGTON -

An $85 billion deadline is looming over Washington.

Deep cuts set to take effect next Friday to military and discretionary spending, also known as sequestration.

If lawmakers don't take action before then, we could see longer airport lines, fewer first responders, and reduced military readiness.    

A 2011 agreement to raise the federal Debt Ceiling mandated these cuts. At the time, the thought was that it would force Congress to come together behind a comprehensive deficit reduction plan. So far, that plan has backfired.

Senate Democrats say they have a plan to replace the cuts which combines a number of things including more tax revenue from the top earners, cutting agriculture subsidies and reducing defense spending after the end of combat operations in Afghanistan.

House Republicans refuse to support any increases in tax revenues.

House Speaker John Boehner released a statement arguing that the problem is government spending.

Click here to see how the sequester will impact the North Country.

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