Secretary of State John Kerry has warned U.S. lawmakers against repeating the budget impasse that gripped Congress in recent weeks, or risk eroding the world's confidence in American power.
Speaking October 24 at the Center for American Progress, a Washington think-tank, Kerry said: "The world watches us, but I'm telling you -- I can feel it, I hear it -- the world will not wait for us."
He said the partial government shutdown that ended last week, and the last-minute avoidance of a default, have "entered into the calculation of leaders" on how much they can depend on Washington, including in negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.
U.S. lawmakers have approved a budget that funds the government only through January 15 and lets the Treasury Department pay its bills through February 7.
Speaking October 24 at the Center for American Progress, a Washington think-tank, Kerry said: "The world watches us, but I'm telling you -- I can feel it, I hear it -- the world will not wait for us."
He said the partial government shutdown that ended last week, and the last-minute avoidance of a default, have "entered into the calculation of leaders" on how much they can depend on Washington, including in negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.
U.S. lawmakers have approved a budget that funds the government only through January 15 and lets the Treasury Department pay its bills through February 7.