Industry Confab

Defense industry leaders met with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta yesterday at the Pentagon, where the effects of sequestration was "the top item on the agenda," according to a readout released by the Defense Department.

"Panetta told industry representatives that his focus continues to be on preventing sequestration by urging Congress to achieve responsible deficit reduction," the Pentagon statement reads. "He emphasized the impossibility of planning for a sequester in a way that avoids its harmful impacts. There was agreement between the secretary and the CEOs that sequestration will do tremendous harm to domestic and national security programs across the board.

"Panetta further emphasized the department will remain focused on implementing the strategy-driven budget it has developed," the statement continues. "He said that maintaining a strong, vibrant and innovative defense industrial base is one of his top long-term strategic priorities as secretary of defense."