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

Deadline to Avoid Sequester Looming over Washington

Posted: Updated:
  • Local Stories

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 6:58 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:58:14 GMT
    Vermont's only pharmacy school graduated its first class Sunday in a ceremony at the Champlain Valley Expo. The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduated 74 students who say they are
    Vermont's only pharmacy school graduated its first class Sunday in a ceremony at the Champlain Valley Expo. The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduated 74 students who say they are excited to pave the way for those to come.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 2:26 PM EDT2013-05-18 18:26:46 GMT
    Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center unveiled its newest interactive exhibit Saturday; featuring state of the art technology. Echo's new Action Lab features hands-on exhibits to teach visitors about
    Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center unveiled its newest interactive exhibit Saturday; featuring state of the art technology.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 10:05 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:05:48 GMT
    At Ben and Jerry's flavor graveyard tasty treats lost long ago only live on in memory. But Thursday there was reason to celebrate as one of the flavors would rise from the grave to be eaten again. "There
    Ben and Jerry's chooses White Russian to return to life in scoop shops.
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.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WFFF. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
WFFF FCC Public FileWVNY FCC Public File