Blumenthal: Conn. impact possible in Pentagon cuts

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal says federal budget cuts known as the sequester could damage Connecticut's significant aerospace industry.

The senior senator was in Toulouse, France, on Monday on a trade trip intended to boost Connecticut contracts with Airbus.

Without action by President Barack Obama and Congress, the Pentagon spending cuts will occur on March 1.

In a conference call with reporters, Blumenthal said many contracts have already begun. He says the sequester, if it happens, will not end production soon.

However, Blumenthal said the impact would be unwelcome.

Greg Hayes, chief financial officer of United Technologies Corp., told investor analysts on Feb. 7 he expects the sequester to happen. He says the impact on the aerospace conglomerate's profit will be small, but it will be felt.