BUDGET SEQUESTRATION McConnell Downplays Impact Of Spending Cuts
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Mar. 1, 2013 4:38 PM EST
Updated: Mar. 1, 2013 4:48 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Louisville, Jefferson County
, Kentucky
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is downplaying the risks that looming automatic federal spending cuts will damage the nation's economy. His outlook differs starkly from the dire warnings from President Barack Obama's administration.
The Kentucky Republican told reporters Friday in Louisville that the $85 billion in spending cuts are modest, and that deeper reductions are needed.
McConnell said the cuts will have some impact, but as for the overall economy, he said he doubts it will be hurt by what amounts to a 2.4 percent cut in government spending. He said most families had to curtail spending more than during the economic downturn.
McConnell said the president's successful push for a higher tax rate for top income earners is more likely to hurt the economy than the spending cuts.
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Associated Press
