The United States is at risk of becoming a second-rate power if automatic budget cuts go into effect, plunging the U.S. armed forces into the most significant readiness crisis they've faced in more than a decade, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned.

The President's choice to head the CIA faces a confirmation hearing just hours after lawmakers are expected to receive a classified report providing the rationale for drone strikes targeting Americans working with al-Qaida overseas.

The military is poised to extend some benefits to the same-sex partners of servicemembers, U.S. officials said Tuesday, about 16 months after the Pentagon repealed its ban on openly gay service.