Congress Hears from USGLC in the Field

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.”

Five members of the Nevada State Advisory Council met with Congresswoman Shelley Berkley to thank her for her signing a letter to President Obama requesting a robust FY 2011 International Affairs Budget request and to encourage her continued support now that the budget is in Congress.

“International students contributed $70 million to the Nevada economy last year, so the academic community knows how important funding from the International Affairs Budget,” said Barbara Wood with the University of Southern Nevada. “And with almost 1 out of every 5 jobs in the state supported by trade, we let the Congresswoman know we can’t afford not to invest in emerging markets around the world.”

Activists also met with district staff from Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) office and Senator George LeMieux (R-FL).  LeMieux was a member of the USGLC’s Impact ’08 campaign Florida State Advisory Committee and also signed the FY11 letter to President Obama.

Leave a comment