The sequester had Washington, D.C on edge last week, with likely cuts threatening to put countless federal employees out of work. That includes a large majority concentrated in the D.C. area. While the cuts haven’t come yet, Takeaway political correspondent Todd Zwillich reports that the sequester deadline will probably come and go, automatically enacting those across-the-board spending drawdowns.
But cuts will have a wider reach, affecting many industries throughout all parts of the United States. For example, the USDA will likely have to furlough many of their food inspectors. And if farms and factories can’t be inspected, they can’t produce meat. Ranchers close their gates, and the price of bacon goes through the roof. Mark Dopp is Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at the American Meat Institute.
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.