Spending cuts announced worry local travelers

$85 billion in cuts would impact FAA, TSA

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – President Barack Obama announced Tuesday that Transportation Safety Administration agents are among those who may get trimmed if an $85 billion federal spending cut goes into effect -- which would drive up wait times at airports.

"I wouldn't be very happy," said flyer Donna Sutton. "I wouldn't be a satisfied traveler and I don't think this would be good for people who could lose their jobs."

President Obama explained that a great deal of the cuts could hit the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration.

Fewer TSA agents could mean longer lines for people waiting to go through security.

"They get real cranky when standing in one place, so I'd be really concerned about that," said traveler Josue Morales.

Officials at Jacksonville International Airport aren't sure what impact the federal spending cuts would have locally, stating it's too soon to say what will happen.

Travelers at the airport Tuesday night weren't happy with the threat of cuts.

"They're talking about $85 billion, we're spending $2 to $3 trillion. It's about a 2 to 3 percent sort of thing," said Rudy Carlson. "We need reductions and if they can reallocate. Unfortunately, they're taking too much out of military and too much out of airports."