Lawmakers are debating whether to slash funding for national security programs that help maintain America's influence abroad. Critics argue this would weaken U.S. global leadership at a time when rivals like China and Russia are eager to fill the void.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about budgets—it's about whether the U.S. stays a dominant player on the world stage or takes a backseat. If America pulls back, other powers won’t hesitate to step in, reshaping alliances, trade, and security in ways that might not favor U.S. interests. In short, it’s a debate over who gets to call the shots globally.