U.S. Sen Richard Shelby, speaking in Hartselle today, said automatic budget cuts scheduled for March 1, are "draconian."

Shelby, who voted against the sequestration deal last year, said he expects the cuts to take effect.

"The sky's not falling, but it's no way to do business," Shelby, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, said.

Shelby said he has concerns about former Republican Sen Chuck Hagel, Obama's nominee for Secretary of Defense, but probably will support the nomination. Shelby said he expects the Senate to confirm Hagel.

"He's probably as good as we're going to get," Shelby said.

Shelby said he will vote in favor of Jack Lew, Obama's nominee for Secretary of the Treasury. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, has said he will oppose the Lew nomination.

Read more in Thursday's edition of The Decatur Daily.