WASHINGTON (AP) — 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 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.

Kerry says legislators need to avoid "senseless cuts."

Otherwise, he says his credibility as a diplomat might be damaged.

Kerry says, "Think about it: It is hard to tell the leadership of any number of countries that they must resolve their economic issues if we don't resolve our own."