National defense officials say a cyber attack could affect everything from the country's energy infrastructure to financial systems. That's part of the reason why New York's elected leaders are trying to prevent funding cuts at Rome Lab. Sarah Blazonis has the story.

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ROME, N.Y. -- Don't panic. That's the message from U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna about the proposed $30 million in cuts to Rome's Air Force Research Laboratory, part of the president's budget that's several months away from approval.

"Even though cuts are severe toward Rome Lab, we believe that Congress will certainly have a say in this and we will oppose it," said Hanna.

Still, officials are taking action.

Hanna was part of a group that met with the Air Force secretary Wednesday to learn more about the cuts. Lawmakers also sent a letter to the Air Force Materiel Command in support of the lab.

And within the state, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi and Senator Joseph Griffo have met with members of the governor's staff about protecting the site.

"They're very concerned about the situation. New York has a number of defense installations between Rome/Griffiss, Niagara Falls, Fort Drum," said Brindisi.

Officials say they're also concerned the upcoming departure of the lab's current director could leave the site vulnerable to cuts. They say so far, no plans for a replacement have been announced.

With more than 1,300 employees and an overall annual economic impact of $288 million according to the lab itself, the cuts could be devastating, but a clear picture of the true impact won't come into focus until more details are released.

"Are we shifting missions? Are we cutting the function of what is done in one area but moving it to another so that it's not really a cut, but it's a shift?" said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. about the questions that remain.

Officials will say they don't think budget cuts will necessary equal more vulnerability to closures.