President Obama urged Congress on Tuesday to take action to avoid massive budget cuts that could lead to furloughs and layoffs across the country.
The cuts will go into effect automatically next Friday unless a budget compromise can be reached.
Surrounded by first responders who could lose their jobs, President Obama called on Republicans to make a deal.
"Are they willing to compromise to protect vital investments in education, health care, education and national security," he asked, "or would they rather put hundreds of thousands of jobs and our entire economy at risk just to protect a few special interest tax loopholes that only affect the wealthiest Americans?"
If no deal is reached $85-billion in automatic cuts known as the sequester go into effect March 1st.
Democrats want to close tax loopholes on the oil industry and raise taxes on millionaires, but Republicans want more deficit reduction.
"The president says it's going to be a balanced approached, but so far it's all been tax increases, so from the Republican point of view they want to see the spending cuts in terms of the other side of it," argues Republican strategist David Winston.
If there's no compromise everyone from FBI to border patrol agents could be furloughed or laid off.
A Wells Fargo study says federal and defense industry workers in Maryland, Virginia and DC will be hardest hit as the military faces massive cuts.
The sequester was originally set to go into effect January 1st, but was delayed as part of the fiscal cliff negotiations.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:26:21 GMT
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:19 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:19:43 GMT
Hank Earl Carr
15 years ago the lives of Tampa Police detectives Randy Bell and Rick Childers, Florida Highway trooper James Crooks and 4-year-old Joey Bennett were cut short.
15 years ago the lives of Tampa Police detectives Randy Bell and Rick Childers, Florida Highway trooper James Crooks and 4-year-old Joey Bennett were cut short.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:44:16 GMT
AP Photo
As many as 60 people were injured in Virginia Saturday when a car drove into a group of hikers marching in a parade. No fatalities have been reported, but injuries range from superficial to critical.
As many as 60 people were injured in Virginia Saturday when a car drove into a group of hikers marching in a parade. No fatalities have been reported, but injuries range from superficial to critical.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:18:18 GMT
Early English lottery ticket
According to the History of Lottery researchers, after the first English lottery approved by King James I in 1612 that granted the Virginia Company of London the right to raise money.
According to the History of Lottery researchers, after the first English lottery approved by King James I in 1612 that granted the Virginia Company of London the right to raise money.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:25:15 GMT
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:26:21 GMT
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:04 AM EDT2013-05-19 13:04:58 GMT
Security camera image
Winter Haven Police are asking the public to help identify a suspect who robbed an off-duty Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Friday at a Winter Haven grocery store.
Winter Haven Police are asking the public to help identify a suspect who robbed an off-duty Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Friday at a Winter Haven grocery store.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:18:18 GMT
Early English lottery ticket
According to the History of Lottery researchers, after the first English lottery approved by King James I in 1612 that granted the Virginia Company of London the right to raise money.
According to the History of Lottery researchers, after the first English lottery approved by King James I in 1612 that granted the Virginia Company of London the right to raise money.