The defense department could face devastating budget cuts if Congress doesn't act soon.

They come from the budget control act of last year. It forces automatic spending cuts if lawmakers fail to reach a deficit-reduction plan before January 2.

Billions of dollars from the U.S. Military are on the chopping block.

Congressman Adam Smith said the purpose of the law was to force Congress to find a solution not to fall back on what is viewed by many as an unimaginable last resort.  

"It's a terrible idea, horrible policy,” said Smith. “It was only meant as a forcing mechanism it was going to be so awful, so hideous that everyone would have to get together and agree to prevent it. "

The office of management and budget says military personnel would be exempt from the cuts.