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Talk about sequester impact not there

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) gives opening remarks during a congressional hearing on the sterilization practices at the John Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis on July 13, 2010. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
1 of 2 | U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) gives opening remarks during a congressional hearing on the sterilization practices at the John Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis on July 13, 2010. UPI/Bill Greenblatt | License Photo

WASHINGTON, March 20 (UPI) -- U.S. congressional Republicans say they haven't felt pressure from their constituents to do anything about the across-the-board spending cuts in effect.

Republicans said they expect the $85 billion in cuts, known as the sequester, to stay in place until Sept. 30, the end of the current fiscal year, Roll Call reported Wednesday.

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Before the sequester went into effect March 1, Obama administration officials spoke of how the cuts would hurt a host of departments and agencies beginning in April -- including furloughs in the Pentagon and closing air traffic control towers at smaller airports -- but even those discussions have faded.

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said he believes the country will "live with the sequester between now and Sept. 30."

"I think, generally speaking, people haven't noticed," said Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa.

There was one exception, he said, the cancellation of White House tours.

"I'm not hearing anything at home, really," said Rep. John Campbell, R-Calif.

At the White House, spokesman Jay Carney said administration officials still hope the sequester will be eliminated in a broader budget deal, but that likely won't happen for months.

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"We would obviously welcome a change of heart by Republicans, but there's no indication from Republicans that a change of heart is forthcoming," Carney said Tuesday.

Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., told Roll Call he hasn't been getting any calls about the sequester.

"I was at two dinners over the weekend," Shimkus said. "I asked large groups who felt the impact; not a single hand was raised. It's pretty quiet."

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