Uncertainty prevails among Va. shipyard workers

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — President Barack Obama addressed thousands of shipyard workers in Virginia who are worried about what the future may hold if Congress can't reach an agreement on a spending deal.

Obama spoke at Newport News Shipbuilding on Tuesday.

The shipyard is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. It builds and maintains the nation's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers as well as other warships.

Obama's visit came days before the Friday deadline in which automatic government spending cuts kick in unless Congress acts to avoid them.

With its vast military and defense operations and civilian shipbuilding activities, Virginia is expected to be one of the hardest hit states if the cuts happen.