McDonnell opposes automatic federal cuts

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The governors of Maryland and Virginia say they agree that huge, automatic federal budget cuts set to begin this week need to be avoided.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, and his Virginia counterpart, Republican Bob McDonnell appeared Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation."

The $85 billion in cuts that are scheduled to begin taking effect Friday would have a big impact on Maryland and Virginia due to proximity to the nation's capital.

O'Malley says they are job-killing cuts, and the country can't cut its way to prosperity.

McDonnell says cuts indeed are needed, but not with such a heavy burden placed on defense under the plan.

On Sunday, White House officials released state-by-state reports on the impact the sequester will have on jobs and middle class families if no agreement is reached by March 1. To see what impacts the White House predicts for Virginia, click here .