ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The governors of Maryland and Virginia say they agree that huge, automatic federal budget cuts set to begin this week need to be avoided.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, and his Virginia counterpart, Republican Bob McDonnell appeared Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation."
The $85 billion in cuts that are scheduled to begin taking effect Friday would have a big impact on Maryland and Virginia due to proximity to the nation's capital.
O'Malley says they are job-killing cuts, and the country can't cut its way to prosperity.
McDonnell says cuts indeed are needed, but not with such a heavy burden placed on defense under the plan.