John Kerry: Greatest Challenge To US Foreign Policy is Congress

Joining Obama in pressuring Republicans to cave (again) on taxes,  John Kerry, in his very first appearance as Secretary of State, said the greatest challenge to U.S. foreign policy is not emerging China or Middle East instability. It's Congress.

In prepared remarks for a speech at the University of Virginia, Kerry cites the adage that "we can't be strong in the world unless we are strong at home." He calls 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.

In the final presidential debate, last October, that focused almost exclusively on foreign policy, moderator Bob Schieffer asked the candidates, “What do you believe is the greatest future threat to the national security of this country?”

At that time, Obama answered:

“Well, I think it will continue to be terrorist networks. We have to remain vigilant, as I just said. But with respect to China, China is both an adversary, but also a potential partner in the international community if it's following the rules. So my attitude coming into office was that we are going to insist that China plays by the same rules as everybody else.”

But that was then - this week, our greatest national security threat is Congress.

Former Joint Chiefs chairman, Admiral Mullen once said that our debt is the biggest national security threat we face, but the Obama administration can't pressure Republicans quite as effectively, using that verbiage.

Our other great threat to national Security, according to Kerry is, climate change:

"We as a nation must have the foresight and courage to make the investments necessary to safeguard the most sacred trust we keep for our children and grandchildren: an environment not ravaged by rising seas, deadly superstorms, devastating droughts, and the other hallmarks of a dramatically changing climate," said Kerry, according to prepared remarks.

We are in such great hands.....