Coming sequester virtually unstoppable

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Both houses of Congress have headed home for the weekend without a deal to stop the sequester.

That means $85 billion in across-the-board cuts will soon start to kick in. There is virtually no chance of an 11th hour deal in this showdown. Freshman Congressman Chris Collins returned to WNY on Thursday.

"The sequester cuts to spending - and we all know we need to reduce our spending - they go into effect at 12 midnight tonight," Collins said.

He contends the Democrats are to blame.

"The President was required to put forth a budget so we could start a debate on spending. That was required February 4," Collins said. "He did not submit it and is telling us now he may not get around to it until April and he's not even doing the basic fundamentals of his job."

Senator Charles Schumer, meantime, defends Democrats, pointing the finger at Republicans.

"There are Republicans in the streets dancing at the thoughts that sequestration will go through," Sen. Schumer said.

Once these across the board spending cuts go into effect, the long-term unemployed could lose an average of $400 from their unemployment checks. The Coast Guard could lose hundreds of millions of dollars and patrols of Western New York waters could be severely reduced. Not to mention, a reduction of customs officers could cause major delays at our international bridges.

Rep. Higgins said, "Increased wait time will discourage Canadian consumers from visiting Western New York and that is business we can't afford to lose. I call on the House to take immediate action to repeal the sequester."

Both parties submitted bills to stop the sequester Thursday, but both failed.

You heard Collins say the cuts go into effect at midnight Thursday, but that's not the case. They start at midnight on Friday.

While many lawmakers are back in their home districts, top leaders have a meeting with President Obama on Friday, discussing what's ahead.