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The sequestration that went into effect on March 1 does not appear to be a major issue for most Americans. At least, not according to the available evidence measuring public attitudes that I have seen.

The majority of Americans continue to be unsure whether the sequester is a good thing or a bad thing for the country -- or for themselves personally. Republicans are more likely to see sequestration as a good thing.

Gallup's U.S. Job Creation Index was +19 in April, near the top of the narrow range found since March 2012, and higher than levels seen from 2009-2011. Federal workers' reports of job cuts eased last month after ticking up in March.

The Gallup U.S. Economic Confidence Index was -14 last week, compared with -17 the week prior, and still below the five-year high of -8 from early February. Americans' assessments of current conditions and future outlook each improved.

Gallup's U.S. Economic Confidence Index slipped to -17 last week from -13 the prior week as Americans' assessments of current economic conditions and future outlook each fell.

Fifteen percent of Americans approve of the way Congress is handling its job -- essentially unchanged from 13% in March. Democrats and independents are slightly more likely than Republicans to approve of Congress.

Many Americans still do not know enough to say if the sequestration cuts have been good for the country or for themselves, little changed from a month ago. But those with an opinion are more likely to see the cuts as bad than good.

Americans' confidence in the economy showed no change last week as the U.S. stock market's rally slowed. The Gallup Economic Confidence Index was -13 for the week ending April 7.

More than three-quarters of Americans favor members of Congress voluntarily returning either 5% or 25% of their salary as a result of the impact of the sequestration budget cuts, which went into effect March 1.

U.S. self-reported daily consumer spending increased to $89 in March from $83 in February and $80 in January. Upper-income and lower- and middle-income spending has increased modestly since January.