Sen. Lindsey Graham had a short response to the White House’s promise that it  would cover the costs of defense contractor layoffs if they happened under  sequestration: No way.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican who’s a member of the Senate Armed  Services Committee, said defense vendors who have changed their tune on issuing  layoff warnings this month may think they have a guarantee from the White House  Office of Management and Budget, but they do not have one from Congress.

“The companies are bending to political pressure, and every  member of Congress should be very upset with any administration failing to obey  the law,” Graham said. “They fail to issue these notices at their own peril. I  hope they get sued. There will be absolutely no way Congress will reimburse any  contractor one penny if they find themselves in litigation. By not issuing the  notices, they’re on their own.”