Anxious workers speak as cuts set to take effect
In nation's military communities, anxious workers speak as huge cuts set to take effect
FILE - In this May 13, 2005, file photo, shipyard workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine protest against plans to close the base by the Defense Department in front of the main gate. Now almost the entire workforce, a community of more than 5,000 along the Maine and New Hampshire seacoast, are preparing to lose the equivalent of a month’s pay because of Congress’ inability to resolve another budget stalemate. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)
KITTERY, Maine (AP) -- In Washington, they're playing the blame game. But workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are worried about paying their bills because Congress hasn't taken action to avert huge federal spending cuts.
Almost the entire workforce, a community of more than 5,000 along the Maine and New Hampshire seacoast, may lose the equivalent of a month's pay.
Sweeping cuts are going into effect across the country, and mandatory furloughs for the Navy's 186,000 civilian workers are scheduled to begin in April.
There is a huge ripple effect feared for workers and the businesses they support in military communities from coast to coast.
President Barack Obama has invited congressional leaders to discuss the issue with him Friday.
