WASHINGTON, D.C. — With an eye at home and abroad, Republican Sen. Ted Budd delivered his first major address on the Senate floor last week in what’s known as a senator’s traditional maiden speech.

“For as much importance as we place on our international standing — and believe me, we should, what’s most important is that we do not lose our way at home,” said Budd during his maiden speech last week. “America is a diminished country — all too willing to cede the stage and let others lead.”

Spectrum News 1 spoke with Budd in his office last week. He said since taking office in January he’s traveled to 11 countries in South America and the Middle East.

He recently returned from a visit to the U.S. southern border.

Budd, like many Republicans and some Democrats, criticized the Biden administration’s immigration approach as Title 42 was coming to end.

The pandemic-era public health policy allowed the U.S. to immediately expel migrants crossing the border.

But since it was lifted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said border crossings have actually significantly dropped.

Asked if the decrease in crossings is a sign the administration’s plan is working, Budd said, “we can only hope so for the sake of our country … I think cartels are reconfiguring their game plan.”

When asked whether he thinks the numbers are going to go back up, he said, “I certainly hope not. Apolitically whether it’s a Republican or Democrat in the White House, we certainly hope for the sake of our nation, the administration is successful at stopping the illegal immigration.”

Domestically Budd said he wants to see spending cuts included in any deal reached between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on raising the nation’s borrowing limits. And he wants to see work requirements added to some government assistance programs.

Former President Donald Trump, who Budd recently endorsed after Trump endorsed him for Senate, has said if the White House balks at massive cuts, Republicans should not raise the debt ceiling and let the government default on its bills. That’s something economists say would be devastating for the economy.

When asked whether default was an option, Budd said, “I think we need to protect the full faith and credit of the U.S. currency. I think we need to be responsible, and the way we do that is rein in spending.”

Budd, who spent three terms in the House, now looks to his make his mark in a Senate where he’ll need to work across party lines with Democrats in narrow control.