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Military Leaders Urge Congress to Boost Development and Diplomacy
By Andy Amsler at 10 March, 2010, 10:59 am
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| General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret.) |
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| Admiral James M. Loy, USGC (Ret.) |
Nearly 50 retired four- and three-star generals and flag officers are calling on Congress to fully fund President Obama’s $58.5 billion International Affairs Budget request. In a letter signed by 48 members of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s (USGLC) National Security Advisory Council (NSAC), the military leaders call the International Affairs Budget “a fundamental pillar of U.S. national security and foreign policy.”
Recognizing how important the International Affairs Budget is, the military leaders say, “The United States must combine its strong military with robust, effective civilian tools of international development and diplomacy to secure its national interests in an era when many of the challenges of the 21st century recognize no borders.”
The President’s FY11 International Affairs Budget request represents only 1.4% of the entire federal budget and less than 7% of national security funding. Knowing the great need that exists for more funding for development and diplomacy, the military leaders close their letter saying, “we urge you to support no less than the Administration’s request of $58.5 billion for the International Affairs Budget.”
Among the letter’s signatories are the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council Co-Chairs, General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret.), Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps (‘03-‘06); and Admiral James M. Loy, USGC (Ret.), Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard (‘98-’02). General Hagee said, “Our military works hand-in-hand with diplomats and development experts in meeting the challenges and responsibilities we face around the world.” Admiral Loy said, “From my time in the military and as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, I know first-hand how important a smart power approach is to our foreign policy where we have robust development and diplomacy programs alongside a strong defense working together to keep our nation safe.”
Read the press release on the NSAC letter
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By Jordan Smith at 11 March, 2010, 4:30 pm
Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was on Capitol Hill Wednesday discussing “new directions in global health” before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His Foundation’s Living Proof Project highlights the many successes of U.S.-funded global health initiatives, and Gates today offered his hard-earned wisdom to the Committee:
“If we continue to innovate and to dedicate resources, huge gains in global health and development are ahead of us. If we keep pushing, we will be able to reduce poverty and prevent disease, which will help countries ultimately end their dependence on foreign assistance and allow more people to live healthy, productive lives without support from the U.S. or other donor governments. “
Gates acknowledged the difficulties President Obama faces as he aims to increase the International Affairs Budget:
“The budget scrutiny that has come with this economic downturn can and should be used to force a new fiscal vigilance that is more creative and more constructive than simply cutting spending…I understand that the federal budget now under consideration will be one of tradeoffs, and a certain amount of spreading the pain will be necessary. As you and your colleagues in both chambers consider the President’s Fiscal Year 2011 International Affairs budget request, I urge you to be mindful of the many successes U.S. foreign assistance has achieved and equally aware of the many challenges that persist.”
Congress Hears from USGLC in the Field
By Jordan Smith at 2 March, 2010, 1:38 pm
USGLC activists took advantage of members of Congress being home during the President’s Day recess and reminded them how important the International Affairs Budget is to their communities. Key leaders such as House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) heard from SC USGLC leaders who drove home the message about the economic and national security benefits international business and engagement brings to their state.
“My company helps small businesses enter the global marketplace, and I see every day how vital it is for South Carolina firms and for the state to be globally engaged, ” said Fred Monk, president of ECI/Find New Markets and a SC USGLC Advisory Board member, following his meeting with Rep. Spratt. “The International Affairs Budget is an important tool in staying globally connected. I am thankful for USGLC’s leadership in reaching out to our Congressional leaders and keeping the public informed to the need and benefit for this investment.”
