Informal discussions to head off sequestration underway, says SASC Chairman

There might be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for the sequestration dilemma facing the Defense Department and other parts of the federal government. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) told reporters Sept. 11 that members of Congress have been and will continue to discuss ways to avert the sequester cuts scheduled to begin Jan. 2, 2013, reports Politico.

"I predict there will not be a sequester,” Levin is quoted as saying the story. “One way or the other, since 90 percent of us don’t want it, it won’t happen. And my hope is that it won’t happen early enough to avoid any instability."

Standing in contrast to Levin's optimistic view was that of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). He said that a plan he had suggested to forestall sequestration was not likely to happen, and added that the sweeping cuts were likely to occur unless President Barack Obama stepped in to guide the effort, according to the story.