LAS VEGAS (AP) — Seeking to allay concern about looming cuts to defense spending, Vice President Joe Biden told veterans Saturday that their benefits will be protected, even as he derided lawmakers from both parties for much talk and little action on a deal to avert the cuts.

Biden said President Barack Obama is “committed to the core” to taking care of service members returning from war. He accused members of Congress of playing political “brinksmanship” with the nation’s security.