President Obama says arbitrary forced spending cuts that take effect today are unnecessary and inexcusable. “Let’s be clear. None of this is necessary. It’s happening because of a choice that Republicans in Congress have made,” he said.
The president and Vice President Biden met with leaders of the House and Senate to discuss the cuts earlier in the day.
The cuts of $85 billion kick in today and are expected to lead to long lines at airports, furloughs of federal workers, reduced access to Head Start programs for young students, and scaled back food inspection and border security programs.
Insiders expect the cuts to be about 9% for nondefense programs and 13% for defense accounts.
