Military Leaders on Capitol Hill
A senior delegation representing more than fifty military leaders from the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council were on Capitol Hill today talking with lawmakers about how significant the International Affairs Budget is to our national security. Co-Chairs General Michael Hagee, USMC (Ret.) and Admiral James Loy, USCG (Ret.) led a group of a retired four- and three-star generals and flag officers met with senior members of the Budget and Appropriations Committees in the House and Senate, and with officials in the Pentagon, to discuss the importance of development and diplomacy.
NSAC Day on the Hill comes after over 50 retired military leaders signed a letter calling on Congress to fully fund President Obama’s $58.5 billion International Affairs Budget request. They described the International Affairs Budget as “a fundamental pillar of U.S. national security and foreign policy,” and that “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.”
General Hagee and Admiral Loy in the Daily Caller
Coverage in Foreign Policy
Military Letter to Congress
Press Release on Military Letter
See the full page add in Roll Call
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 Gen. Hagee, USMC (Ret.), Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps (‘03-‘06); and Admiral Loy, USGC (Ret.), Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard (‘98-’02). General Hagee said, “Collaboration between development, diplomacy, and defense is essential for rooting out terrorism, extending legitimate governments in failing states, and reinforcing the values that America shares with the world. “ Admiral Loy said, “Fully funding the international affairs budget will extend our diplomatic and development efforts to overcome terrorism, solidify weak states, and maintain international stability by responding to urgent humanitarian needs, advancing human rights and freedoms, and promoting sustainable economic growth.”
