HispanicBusiness

U.S. Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Va., will meet with constituents Tuesday night at An Achievable Dream Middle and High School to discuss the impending federal sequestration cuts, which are expected to take a heavy toll on Hampton Roads.

The $1.2 trillion in arbitrary cuts -- roughly half of which come from defense spending -- are set to go into affect March 1 if Congress and President Barack Obama can't reach a deal to avert them.

"These automatic, indiscriminate across-the-board spending cuts, included in the 2011 agreement to raise the debt ceiling, will have a significant impact on our local economy," Scott said. "Over the last year, I have heard from many of my constituents about how these unnecessary cuts will negatively impact their businesses. I share their concerns and I have urged my colleagues in Congress to make canceling sequestration our top priority. I remain optimistic that the sequester will be delayed again, but with only a few legislative days left before March 1st, I believe it is important to hold this community forum to help explain the impact sequestration will have on the federal budget, our economy, and my constituents."

The meeting is open to the public. It will be held 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at An Achievable Dream Middle and High School located at 5720 Marshall Ave. in Newport News.