President Barack Obama delivered a major policy address on sequestration at Newport News Shipbuilding Tuesday, calling for Congress to work together to avoid automatic cuts set to kick in on Friday, March 1.
The president used the opportunity to continue to talk about so-called sequester: The $85 billion budget-cutting mechanism could affect everything from commercial flights to classrooms to meat inspections.
"These cuts...they're not smart, they're not fair, Obama said of sequestration. "They're a self-inflicted wound that doesn't need to happen."
Despite the urgent rhetoric, there was no indication the White House and congressional Republicans were actively negotiating a deal to avoid the so-called sequester ahead of the end of the week deadline.
The last known conversation between Obama and GOP leaders was last week and there have been no in-person meetings between the parties this year.
"We can't just cut our way to prosperity," Obama said "We need to get this done, but the choice is up to Congress."