Republicans and Democrats have yet to agree on a plan to delay or replace sequestration, although they have begun to trade competing proposals to do so.

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) joined Republicans in calling on President Barack Obama to force congressional leaders to deal with the matter.

The sense from Pentagon officials was an increasing level of gloom and doom about the prospect of cuts, which they contend will cost more money rather than contribute to deficit reduction.

“There was a time when I thought that sequestration wasn’t likely,” Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told the committee. “I used to say that I was hopeful and optimistic. Then I said I was just hopeful, and now I’m not even hopeful.”