Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined White House Press Secretary Jay Carney to brief the news media, Friday. He emphasized the effects that budget cuts, known as sequestration, would have on the nation's transportation infrastructure.
He told reporters that the mandatory across-the-board cuts would force furloughs for air traffic controllers, which would lead to flight delays. He said that the Department of Transportation was speaking with airlines Friday to let them know what they can expect when the cuts begin next week.
Secretary LaHood has announced that he will retire when a replacement is confirmed by the Senate. He previously served in the House of Representatives as a Republican.