Under current law, the U.S. Department of Defense automatically faces significant spending cuts over the next 10 years—cuts that america's civilian and military leaders have cadidly described as "devastating" and "very high risk."

America is nearing a decisive moment.  Unless Congress acts to change current law, automatic sequestration cuts will slash future spending on national defense across-the-board by over $500 billion beginning early next year.

The joint statement released by the Defending Defense Coalition details the devastating impact that the upcoming automatic sequestration would have on the U.S. military and the consequent need for the House of Representatives to pass the reconciliation bill in order to defend national security strategy.

Despite increasingly tough talk about the importance of Asia, the Obama administration’s preview of its fiscal year 2013 defense budget proves that it is a “pivot” in name only. 

At this event, we will discuss the Obama administration's FY 2013 defense budget and the broader context behind its new strategic guidance.

If this so-called "Super Committee" falls short—or if the required deficit reduction legislation is not enacted by January 15, 2012—then the Pentagon's long-term budget will suffer the brunt of the consequences.

If Obama's defense cuts are realized, this modern day "hollow force" will be less capable of securing America's interests and preserving the international leadership role that rests upon military preeminence.

If the Obama administration succeeds in its plans to cut defense further, that percentage will drop to 3 percent or lower--the lowest total in the whole of the post-World War II era. But first, members of Congress and the American taxpayer want answers from Leon Panetta.