Since President Obama began his second term, just a few weeks ago, he’s discussed his domestic policy priorities – particularly immigration and gun control – at length, but we’ve heard very little about the budget cuts coming down the pike.
If Congress and the president do not reach a spending deal by March 1st, budget cuts will automatically go into effect. These cuts, known as sequestration, would particularly affect the Defense Department, as Defense Secretary Leon Panetta noted in a speech at Georgetown University a few days ago. “These steps would seriously damage a fragile American economy and they would degrade our ability to respond to crisis precisely at a time of rising instability across the globe,” Panetta explained.
What steps are the resident and Congress taking to avoid sequestration? Takeaway Washington correspondent Todd Zwillich explains.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!