WASHINGTON - Secretary of State John Kerry says the greatest challenge to U.S. foreign policy is not emerging China or Middle East instability. It's Congress.
In a speech Wednesday at the University of Virginia, Kerry cited the adage that "we can't be strong in the world unless we are strong at home." He called the budget impasse a threat.
The State Department has said automatic spending cuts would jeopardize $2.6 billion in aid, security assistance and other international programs.
Kerry said legislators need to avoid "senseless cuts."
Otherwise, he said his credibility as a diplomat might be damaged.
Kerry said, "Think about it: It's hard to tell the leadership of any number of countries that they must resolve their economic issues if we don't resolve our own."
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