McCain Fears New Republicans Could Cut Defense Funds, Turn On Afghanistan

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is concerned that the “isolationist wing” of the GOP could turn against the U.S.’ involvement in Afghanistan and military spending.

“I think there are going to be some tensions within our party,” McCain said during a discussion Monday with the Foreign Policy Initiative, a D.C.-based think tank. “I worry a lot about the rise of protectionism and isolationism in the Republican Party.”

McCain, the Ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that freshman Republicans who have made their names promising spending cuts could set their sites on the military.

Rand Paul, who was recently elected the junior Senator of Kentucky, was cited by McCain as one Republican in particular who has caught his attention.

“I admire his victory, but … already he has talked about withdrawals [and] cuts in defense,” McCain said.