CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -
There are just two days left until $85 billion in automatic budget cuts kick in across the nation.
The White House is insisting that any new plan includes cutting tax loopholes to bring in more revenue.
Republicans say they will not approve any more tax increases.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin says automatic federal budget cuts set to go into effect Friday would mean National Guard and civilian defense layoffs in the state, along
with reduced funding for programs such as education, and public health and safety.
The West Virginia Democrat said Tuesday that while he's discouraged Congress hasn't reached a long-term, bipartisan compromise, he's still "very hopeful" a deal can get done.
Manchin says 2,000 Department of Defense civilian employees in the state would be furloughed if the cuts occur. And 56 members of the West Virginia National Guard would be laid off immediately, while more than 900 state Guard members would be furloughed for 22 days.
He also says the state would lose $430,000 in grants to prevent and treat substance abuse.
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