http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/230653-mcdonough-where-there-is-a-threat-we-will-take-actionJanuary 25, 2015, 09:27 am
Top Obama aide: 'Where there is a threat to us, we will take action'
By Laura Barron-Lopez
White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough on Sunday shot back at questions that the U.S. foreign policy may be at a tipping point, saying "where there is a threat to us, we will take action to protect our American people."
McDonough said the U.S. cannot be an "occupying force" in places like Yemen or Syria, arguing plans to train security forces will be the best way forward.
"We need to press political leaders to come up with political resolutions on ground," McDonough said.
He also defended ongoing U.S. nuclear negotiations with Iran, arguing Congress would "undercut" the president's actions if it passes sanctions legislation.
"We now have robust international multilateral sanctions in place and very aggressive bilateral sanctions in place," McDonough said.
"We can maintain that international unity by pressing through negotiations; it doesn't make any senses for Congress to prematurely act on legislation," he added.
