Shelby For Cuts But Not These Cuts

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby said he's all for federal cuts but not necessarily the ones forced by sequestration. 

"The policy is probably good but the way to implement the cuts is not well thought out," the veteran lawmaker said during an appearance Monday in Dothan.  "It's across the board so you're cutting out good things as well as bad with no discretion, with no thought about it."

Shelby, wrapping up a whirlwind tour of southeast Alabama, headed back to Washington where a budget agreement will be sought.  "The first step is to see if we can give some flexibility to the President.  The President wants more revenue, he wants more taxes.  Republicans aren't going to vote for that," Shelby said.

Though most cuts have not yet taken effect, sequestration could slash defense, Head Start programs, law enforcement and dozens of other government services.  It has already impacted Dothan after an aviation company planning to employ over 500 people here abruptly canceled their plans.  It blames budget cuts that could close the airport control tower at the airport. 

Fort Rucker could also be impacted by layoffs and furloughs; something Shelby said creates a bad situation.  "(The Army base) is very important to this area and brings in over a billion dollars to the economy every year."  The top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shelby said he'll do everything he can to avoid cuts at Fort Rucker.