Minnesota Rep. John Kline says automatic federal budget cuts neither side wants have a "better than even" chance of kicking in.

Unless Congress and the White House strike a deal, a set of previously approved across-the-board spending cuts is due to take hold beginning in March. The Republican-led House and Democratic President Barack Obama are at odds over what should be done to avoid the cuts without allowing the deficit to balloon.

From Lake City Tuesday, where Kline visited an elementary school, he told Winona Radio News even if the budget cuts start on March First, Congress can still make changes.

States with a heavy defense industry presence are expected to feel the biggest pinch from the automatic cuts. But Minnesota could still face a blow.