FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 file photo, two U.S. Navy Blue Angels execute a crossing maneuver at close range during the Miramar Air Show in San Diego. Deep budget cuts in Washington mean military flight teams are expected to be no-shows at air shows across the U.S. starting this spring, leaving dozens of host cities bracing for thinner crowds and lost tourism dollars. When $85 billion in automatic cuts kicked in March 1, 2013, the Air Force canceled its air shows at bases from Florida to Arizona. It also grounded its team of formation-flying pilots, the Thunderbirds. The Army’s Golden Knights parachute team has also canceled performances. The Navy’s famous Blue Angels say military commanders “intend to cancel” their April shows. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
Obama: Reaching out to GOP to end budget gridlock
Published: 02:36:23 PM, Sat 09 March 2013 UTC
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says he's reaching out to lawmakers from both parties in hopes of untangling the gridlock that has stymied progress on budget issues in Washington.
In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says he's talking with Republicans about ways to replace the automatic spending cuts that took effect March 1. He says immigration reform and gun control are other areas where he's hopeful Democrats and Republicans can find common ground.
He says even though unemployment fell to 7.7 percent last month, expanding the economy is still his top priority.
In the Republican address, Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama says he's worried that Senate Democrats will unveil a budget next week that won't curb the nation's debt. He's insisting that lawmakers balance the federal budget.
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Online:
Obama address: www.whitehouse.gov
GOP address: www.youtube.com/gopweeklyaddress
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