SEQUESTER

Obama Asks GOP to Compromise

To prevent $85 billion in cuts to go into effect March 1.

In Washington, “compromise” is a dirty word. But in President Obama’s weekly Saturday address to the nation, he urged Republicans to do just that. In order to avoid the looming sequester that will bring $85 million in cuts on March 1, Obama said the GOP will have to agree to adding new tax revenues and cutting less of the budget. Obama said the cuts will be extremely detrimental to the government and "will eliminate good jobs,” potentially causing 800,000 civilian employees to be furloughed. GOP lawmakers have been adamant in their fight to avoid revenue increases. Sequestration could still be averted, says Obama. "We just need Republicans in Washington to come around."