Americans like being No. 1 military power, want to stay that way

Americans agree with the assessment of new Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, that “the United States remains the strongest and most resilient nation on earth.” And the public says that it is worthwhile to devote more funding to ensure that the U.S. remains No. 1 militarily.

Meanwhile, the new Republican-controlled Congress is already facing its first major controversy — a possible shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, unless an agreement to fund that department is reached by the end of this month. The potential shutdown feeds into public dismay over what perceived government gridlock.

One bright spot abroad: As evidenced by an uptick in Americans’ views of Cuba, a majority favor re-establishing diplomatic relations with the Caribbean nation, ending the trade embargo and allowing U.S. citizens to travel there freely.