SEQUESTER Q&A: FOR US, NEW SEASON OF UNCERTAINTY

Here comes the sequester: big federal spending cuts and a new season of economic uncertainty for a nation still trying to shake off a recession. The politics of sequestration have been fierce, the finger-pointing incessant. And to no one’s surprise, what was designed as a way out of one Washington standoff has produced another one — and more. A week out from the March 1 deadline, there are no meaningful efforts in Washington to avert the punishing automatic cuts set out in a law nearly two years ago. Bellowing and blame aside, what really would happen if, as expected, President Barack Obama and congressional lawmakers allow the nation to blow past the deadline?

Trouble ahead?

By Associated Press

Here comes the sequester: big federal spending cuts and a new season of economic uncertainty for a nation still trying to shake off a recession.

The politics of sequestration have been fierce, the finger-pointing incessant. And to no one’s surprise, what was designed as a way out of one Washington standoff has produced another one — and more. A week out from the March 1 deadline, there are no meaningful efforts in Washington to avert the punishing automatic cuts set out in a law nearly two years ago.

Bellowing and blame aside, what really would happen if, as expected, President Barack Obama and congressional lawmakers allow the nation to blow past the deadline?

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