"The across-the-board sequestration cuts," Senator Warner said this morning to a group of Northern Virginia defense contractors and technology executives, "will be even worse than you imagine."

Senator Warner and Senator Tim Kaine outlined the impact of mandatory budget cuts scheduled to take effect on March 1st during a morning conversation with several hundred members of the Northern Virginia Technology Council in Reston. 

"Ensuring our country is safe should drive the budget," Senator Kaine said. "The budget shouldn't drive our national security."

Senator Warner continued on to Palio's Restaurant in Leesburg, where he took questions from about 100 women business leaders and entrepreneurs.

"I know this'll come as a huge shock to you all, but although its hard to get access to capital for anyone right now, it's especially difficult for women and minority-owned businesses," he said. The Senator also discussed his ongoing efforts on deficits and debt, and advocated for a big, broad and bipartisan solution.

"Our economy is poised to take-off and grow and create jobs and promote new investments, but this lingering challenge over fixing the debt is holding us back," he said.