Sequester 2013: 4 Reasons Why Sequestration 2013 is Not That Bad

Impact

The sequester or sequestration finally takes effect today triggering $85 billion is automatic spending cuts to this year's federal spending — reported CBS News. And though many in government have decried the dreadful consequences the automatic cuts caused by the sequester would have (in social programs, if you're a Democrat, and in the military, if you're a Republican), here's 4 reasons why this supposedly undesirable outcome may not be such a bad thing after all:    

1. It Leaves Entitlements Alone:

 Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare (beneficiaries), veterans' benefits, unemployment insurance, and food stamps will not see any reduction in funding. Meanwhile, Medicare providers will see only a 2% reduction in payments. 

2. The Cuts Won't Take Effect Just Yet:

 

Though the cuts legally take effect when the president signs the sequestration order today, government agencies will be able to temporarily "contain the damage," as many would  legally require a "notification period" that could delay the impact of the impending cuts.

3. It Can Be a Blessing in Disguise: 

This could be the opportunity Republicans have been looking for in their supposed quest to reduce wasteful spending. "There are many of us who realize we have got to get spending under control," Sen. Patrick Toomey (R-Pa.) told the New York Times. "The sequester is a crude way to do it, but at least it's moving in that direction," he added.

4. It Won't Affect War Spending: 

Compensation payments to military personnel in places like Afghanistan, as well as all Veterans Affairs Department programs were exempted from sequestration.