'Significant Risk'

The White House Office of Management and Budget and the Pentagon warned lawmakers earlier this month that military spending cuts required by law -- if Congress fails to craft a workable deficit-reduction plan -- "could pose a significant risk to national security."

That quote comes from a Sept. 15 letter letter penned by Jacob Lew, the OMB director, and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. It was sent to lawmakers in response to questions from Congress about Defense Department budget guidance and the status of the comprehensive review.