Columbia, SC — South Carolina leaders from the business, military, faith and non-profit communities came together today for a foreign policy forum with a Republican Presidential candidate on America’s role in the world and the importance of development and diplomacy, alongside defense, to our security and prosperity.

Hosted by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, University of South Carolina, Columbia World Affairs Council, and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the event began with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee stressing how critical economic development programs and fighting global poverty are to our national security.

Earlier this month, Huckabee stated, “If America wants to be known only as a country that puts bombs in neighborhoods, then that’s one thing, but I think America also wants to be known as a country that puts food in the mouths of children in extreme poverty.  So that as children grow up their image, their vision, their understanding of who Americans are is that Americans are the ones who saved our lives and Americans are the ones that our friends.”

Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich spoke on the importance of America’s engagement with the world.  Following the addresses, the Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody moderated a question and answer period with Governor Huckabee, taking questions from the audience on the subject of American’s global leadership.

With over half a million jobs in South Carolina tied to trade and over $20 billion in exports, South Carolinians know that to be competitive in today’s global economy we have to be engaged with the world.   South Carolina is a national leader in foreign investment, making American engagement in the world a critical strategic issue for the Palmetto State.

“As our nation faces daunting challenges in today’s world, it is critical we continue to provide leadership across the globe,” said Ambassador David Wilkins, Co-Chair of the USGLC’s South Carolina Advisory Committee.  “This is essential to strengthening our economy here in South Carolina and to our national security.  It also means we are living up to our most fundamental values as Americans.”

“South Carolina residents will play a critical role in selecting the next President of the United States, and they understand the important role development & diplomacy play in keeping our nation safe and creating jobs,” said USGLC Executive Director Liz Schrayer. “With just days to go before ballots are cast, we call on all Presidential candidates to stand up for a smart power approach to U.S. foreign policy.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world. 

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Washington, DC —The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition released this statement from Executive Director Liz Schrayer on Jack Lew’s appointment as White House Chief of Staff: 

“The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition welcomes the announcement of Jack Lew as White House Chief of Staff.  He is a strong voice with an understanding of America’s role in the world.  At a time of great challenge, both here and overseas, Jack understands the critical role of development and diplomacy in advancing our national interests.

“Jack will bring the same thoughtful and strategic leadership that he brought to OMB and the State Department on these issues to his new role, and we look forward to working with him.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world. 

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Manchester, NH —New Hampshire leaders from the business, military, faith and non-profit communities came together this morning for a town hall meeting with Republican Presidential campaigns on America’s role in the world and the importance of development and diplomacy, alongside defense, to our security and prosperity.

Hosted by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College, and honorary host Senator John E. Sununu, Four Star General Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret.), former Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command, began the town hall by stressing how critical economic development programs and fighting global poverty are to our national security.

“American engagement has always been indispensible, and never more so than today,” General Zinni said.  “That is why the citizens of New Hampshire must call on all the candidates for President of the United States to embrace a smart power strategy that invests in all the tools of our foreign policy, including development and diplomacy, to keep us safe.”

Following General Zinni’s address, WMUR’s Tom Griffith moderated a panel of high-level surrogates for Republican Presidential campaigns:  Paul Bonicelli for Governor Perry; former Executive Councilor and State Representative Bill Cahill for Senator Santorum; former U.S. Senator Norm Coleman for Governor Romney; State Senator Jim Forsythe for Congressman Paul; former Reagan National Security Advisor Bud McFarlane for Speaker Gingrich; and, Randy Schriver for Governor Huntsman.

“I have seen firsthand that strategic investments in U.S. global leadership are among the most efficient and effective ways to keep us safe and create jobs,” said Steve Duprey, CEO of Duprey Service Company. “It is my hope that our nation’s leaders, whether they represent New Hampshire in Congress or are running for President, will see the value as well.”

“New Hampshire residents will play a critical role in selecting the next President of the United States, and they have called on elected leaders to support our development and diplomacy programs to keep us safe and create jobs,” said USGLC Executive Director Liz Schrayer. “With just weeks to go before ballots are cast, we call on all Presidential candidates to stand up for a smart power approach to U.S. foreign policy.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world. 

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Washington, DC — The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition released this statement from Executive Director Liz Schrayer on the Fiscal Year 2012 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations bill:

“When you look at the final FY12 International Affairs Budget, it is a mixed bag. In the short-term, we are pleased the agreement avoids the deep and disproportionate cuts to these programs from earlier versions of the bill and welcome the bipartisan recognition of the importance of development and diplomacy. However, in the long-run, the cuts to funding for non-war related program is of grave concern given the challenges and turbulence in the world today.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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Washington, DC —USGLC Executive Director Liz Schrayer released this statement following Secretary Clinton’s remarks at the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness: 

“We applaud the significant commitment to greater accountability and transparency in our nation’s development efforts, as demonstrated by the decision of the U.S. to join the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI).  The shift in thinking ‘from aid to investment’ that Secretary Clinton mentioned in Busan is an important step toward ensuring our international affairs programs are as effective and efficient as possible for the American taxpayer and the people our efforts overseas serve.

“Military leaders like General David Petraeus and new Joint Chiefs Chair General Martin Dempsey have agreed our development and diplomatic operations are critical to our national security, and given the current economic climate, it is more important than ever for us to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of these programs.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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Charleston, SC —Top military, business, and faith leaders joined U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham tonight at the Citadel for a discussion of U.S. engagement in the world and its impact on South Carolina families.  American leadership is essential to South Carolina’s security and economy, and Senator Graham is a national authority on both defense and foreign policy issues.

“Our long-term national-security successes will not be judged by the day on which we leave places like Iraq and Afghanistan, but by what we leave behind,” said Senator Graham.  “The foreign operations account is national security in another form, and the funds are an essential piece in protecting our own nation.  I know our economy is under strain but we cannot afford to disengage from the world, particularly during dangerous times like these.”

South Carolina is a national leader in foreign investment, and one in five jobs in the state currently depend on trade, making American leadership in the world a critical strategic issue for the state.  The port in Charleston alone is responsible for nearly 55,000 local jobs and contributes over $3 billion to the local economy.

The event also featured General James Cartwright, USMC (Ret.), former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dr. Marco L.E. Cavazzoni from The Boeing Company, a leading employer in the Charleston area, and Dr. Tony Beam, Vice President of Student Affairs and Christian Worldview at North Greenville University, in a panel discussion moderated by David Brody, Chief Political Correspondent for the Christian Broadcasting Network. 

“America faces a very different set of challenges in the world than when I became a Marine,” said General Cartwright.  “During the Cold War, it was easy to tell who our enemies were, but today we face foes that require using all of the tools in our foreign policy arsenal to keep our nation safe and secure, which is why we need our civilian development and diplomatic operations at their best.”

“Boeing is proud of our teammates, our partnerships and our operations in South Carolina as in a myriad of locations around the world. Our company understands the critical role international affairs programs play in opening up new markets for American goods services overseas,” said Marco Cavazzoni, vice president and general manager Boeing South Carolina Final Assembly and Delivery.  “Expanding the global economy is good for our business and our industry, and it ensures Boeing can continue to grow and continue to produce some of the most technologically advanced airplanes in the world.”

“Our international aid is a force for good in the world, and demonstrates the finest values of the American people,” said Dr. Beam.  “Millions of lives have been saved through our HIV/AIDS initiatives, and the effects of the famine in the Horn of Africa today are lessened due to investments made in sustainable agricultural programs to empower local farmers to provide for their families.”

“Senator Graham is one of the most respected national security voices in our country today,” said USGLC Executive Director Liz Schrayer.  “His leadership to make sure America has the resources it needs, not only for the military but also for our civilian operations, is clearly appreciated by the South Carolina business, military, and faith-based communities.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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Washington, D.C. — Five former Secretaries of State, representing both Republican and Democratic Administrations, called on Members of Congress to support America’s engagement in the world by protecting the International Affairs Budget from additional deep and disproportionate cuts.

Former Secretaries Madeleine K. Albright, Henry A. Kissinger, Colin L. Powell,  Condoleezza Rice and George P. Shultz wrote, “Now is not the time for America to retreat from the world, which is why we need a strong and effective International Affairs Budget. This is one area where leaders of both parties can find common ground and come together to ensure a better, safer world and a more prosperous future.”

“These are five of the most respected national security and foreign policy experts in our country, and I hope Members of Congress heed their call to not impose another round of deep cuts to the International Affairs Budget,” said USGLC Executive Director Liz Schrayer. “Americans want us to be a leader in the world, and shrinking back at this critical moment would diminish our security, competiveness and basic values.”

Although the International Affairs Budget makes up only 1.4 percent of the overall federal budget, it shouldered nearly 20 percent of the total cuts to FY11 discretionary spending.  With dangerous additional cuts set to be voted on by the Senate this week, the International Affairs Budget could see the steepest cuts since the height of the Cold War.

Click here or see below to read the Secretaries’ full letter.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world. 

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“In tonight’s debate, some of the candidates raised questions about foreign aid. The issue isn’t starting at zero, but where you end. Our military leaders, like General David Petraeus have been loud and clear — America needs foreign assistance and diplomacy, alongside defense to keep us safe.  When used strategically, foreign assistance advances our national security, and retreat in today’s world is not an option.”

Admiral Loy was Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2005, Commandant of the Coast Guard from 1998 to 2002, and is the co-chair of the National Security Advisory Council for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.

Washington, DC —USGLC Executive Director Liz Schrayer released this statement today in support of the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2012:

“The USGLC commends the bipartisan leadership of Congressmen Ted Poe (R-TX) and Howard Berman (D-CA), and all of their cosponsors, for raising the bar to ensure our nation has accountable, transparent foreign assistance programs across all departments and agencies. As our military leaders have said, development is essential to our national interests, and we must ensure we not only have adequate resources but that our programs are effective, transparent and results-driven.

“The Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2012 builds on the solid principles modeled in the Millennium Challenge Corporation and USAID’s Foreign Assistance Dashboard. While world events call for greater use of our development and foreign assistance programs, the current economic environment requires a renewed commitment to accountability and transparency.

“From the Arab Awakening to the Horn of Africa, we are reminded of the need for American leadership in the world. Results-driven foreign assistance funded through the International Affairs Budget is a cost effective way to advance our national interests.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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Washington, DC —The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) released the following statement today from Executive Director Liz Schrayer expressing concern at the House’s FY 2012 appropriations allocations for the International Affairs Budget:

“While we are glad the House Appropriations Committee fully funded the war-related components of the International Affairs Budget, we are very concerned about the continued disproportionate cuts to core programs.  The $47.2 billion allocation is a major improvement from the House budget resolution that contained a deep and disproportionate 18% cut ($39 billion), but we are concerned the allocation results in deep cuts for core (non-war related) programs, representing nearly a 20% reduction from FY 2010 levels and 22% from the President’s request.

“Funding our programs in the frontline states is critical, particularly as our civilian forces take the baton in Iraq, but there are many other hot spots in the world where we need to be working.  The International Affairs Budget already shouldered a disproportionate 20% of the government-wide spending cuts in FY 2011.  By cutting back even deeper on core development and diplomatic functions again, we are doing a disservice to our national and economic security.”

The International Affairs Budget represents just over one percent of the entire federal budget yet pays large dividends for our national and economic security, as well as American leadership and values in the world.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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