about how russia views all of this discussion about budget cuts right now? >> absolutely. in fact -- but, jon, it is important to remember that these budget hearings have been scheduled for some time. the cuts are not new. there has been talk of sequestration and deep budget cuts for several yearings, but -- years, but there is bipartisan concern about message being sent to russia right now and about the proposed defense cuts. >> the white house fact sheet on the key budget issues makes it clear that defense is not a priority in this budget. and while no one would argue that hard choices will have to be made in light of budget caps, the president seems to want it both ways with this budget request. >> with a budget that really makes our military weak in what we need it to do. >> reporter: the timing couldn't be worse with russia having sent 6,000 troops into the crimea and russia's forces remaining, we're told, on ukraine's border, the u.s. army