Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Secretary of State James Baker came together for a summit on foreign policy at the State Department recently. They covered a wide range of topics, but somewhat surprisingly, they focused on our weak economy as a grave security concern.

Both agree that the U.S. needs to get its fiscal house in order before we can’t afford to properly ensure our own safety.

Baker was particularly concerned, citing the economy, not unrest in the Middle East or China, as our biggest threat. “We better damn well get our economic house in order,” Baker said.  Clinton responded with an “Amen to that.”

When was the last time these two agreed on anything?

This is only common sense though, right? If we keep spending at an astronomical rate while our economy continues to languish, how will we be able to provide the necessary resources for our defense, or any other important government program?

I received some pushback on my pieces asking whether we should rethink how much we spend on defense. Many argue that we have to do whatever it takes to keep our country safe. My contention is that a whole, healthy economy is crucial to that safety. Some prudent, short-term cuts to defense, entitlements and wasteful spending will equip us better in the long term. I have good company on this position; Clinton and Baker are respected leaders from both parties that have accomplished impressive things on the international stage.

If Washington can get its act together and enact some reform on our out-of-control spending, it will make this country stronger and safer. If we don’t make tough decisions now, we won’t have any money for a defense system in the future.