WASHINGTON (AP) — The automatic budget cuts set to take hold this week were roundly condemned Sunday as governors, lawmakers and administration officials hoped for a deal to stave off the $85 billion reduction in government services.

Suggestions intended to instill a spirit of compromise included bringing all sides to the bargaining table, where they could act like "adults, a presidential summit at Camp David and even a field trip to watch "Lincoln."

The alternative, as the White House outlined, is a damaging impact on everything from commercial flights to classrooms and meat inspections.