Austin Urges Congress to Sustain US Leadership Abroad Amid Calls for Retreat
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Austin rejected calls for US "retreat from responsibility" and isolationism in a speech to lawmakers and leaders. He said sustained leadership is needed to keep the world safe and prosperous.
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He defended support for Israel in its war against Hamas and for Ukraine against Russia's invasion. He said aggression and "mass slaughter" will continue if tyrants and terrorists believe they can get away with it.
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His message seemed aimed at lawmakers supportive of Trump's "America First" ideology and opposed to overseas war spending. He said retreat is not "bold new leadership."
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Congress has not approved new money for the wars in Ukraine and Israel and only passed a short-term budget bill. Austin urged them to pass funding.
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He said Israel must do more to protect Gaza civilians and that civilian deaths can turn a tactical win into a strategic defeat.