Panetta said the men and women of the Defense Department renew a pledge made 10 years ago.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Cantor's comments mirror the official Republican response to the speech, delivered by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who mixed a defense of core Republican values with an overall pledge to work with Obama.

NPR: GOP Leaders Give Obama Style Points For Speech

As it stands, the House GOP's Pledge treats the Constitution's obligation to "provide common defense" as a kind of afterthought.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The 'Peace Through Strength' Pledge