From NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh.The US is pledging to strengthen ties with Japan on various matters including global economic growth.Following a meeting today with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,the president said that while sequester or broad spending cuts will affect the US government.It wouldn't threaten the world financial system."The sequester going into effect,will not threaten world financial system.It's not like the equivalent of the US defaulting on its obligations.What it does mean though was that if the US is growing slower,then other countries growing slower."But negotiations seem to have stalled to avert mandatory budget cuts in less than two weeks in the US.Budget battles in this country and other nations have raised concerns among NATO ministers in Brusselsabout defense spending cuts and the impact that could have on global security.Air traveler should prepare for delays of the nation's busiest airportsif the across the board spending cuts, known as sequestration take effect.NPR's Brian Naylor reportsthe Obama administration is warning some control towers at smaller airports could be closed all together.Transportation secretary Ray Lahood saysthe FAA will have to furlough the vast majority of its employees including air traffic controllers for at least one day--- a pay period.That will mean fewer controllers directing flightsand Lahood says delays for travelers.
