A who’s who from the military, business and faith-based communities of the state came together to discuss how important a smart power foreign policy approach is to South Carolina’s security and prosperity at a statewide event in Columbia, on January 28th. Co-hosted by the USGLC and the University of South Carolina, the event featured President [...]

The FY11 Budget season will formally kick off when President Obama delivers his State of the Union address next Wednesday, January 27th, and then submits his budget request to Congress on Monday, February 1st. Keep your eyes out for the USGLC’s full analysis of the International Affairs Budget request shortly after the release on Feb. [...]

The USGLC is proud to announce General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret.) and Admiral James M. Loy, USCG (Ret.) as the new co-chairs to its National Security Advisory Council (NSAC).  This prestigious group of over 50 retired three- and four-star generals and admirals represents all five branches of the Armed Forces united in support of [...]

In a major address on “Development in the 21st Century”, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a clear case for why the U.S. must be investing abroad, even at a time when Americans are facing hardship at home.  In this important speech, capturing the vision of the Administration’s development policy, Secretary Clinton reminded the audience that [...]

Dr. Rajiv Shah was sworn into office by Secretary Clinton in a ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building.  Shah received bipartisan support throughout his confirmation hearing and is now poised to lead USAID. During our Tribute Dinner last month, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton introduced Dr. Shah by saying, “Together, we will ensure that USAID [...]

When the administration’s President’s Study Directive (PSD) on Global Development was announced last August, the project was due to be finished by this month.  It is likely now to be completed in February or March, giving time for new USAID Administrator, Dr. Raj Shah, to participate. The report, which aims to fulfill President Obama’s pledge [...]

Before leaving for their holiday break, Congress approved and the President signed a $447 billion omnibus appropriations measure that completes the FY 2010 International Affairs Budget, providing a total of $50.9 billion.  The largest portion of the International Affairs Budget — the State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill — totals $48.6 billion.  Passage of the omnibus [...]

2009 was a momentous year for USGLC activists throughout the country as they encouraged their Senators to pass the Kerry-Lugar amendment to add $4 billion back into the International Affairs Budget and were instrumental in obtaining a record number of signatures from Members of Congress on a letter to the President encouraging him to make [...]

Today, a record-breaking 247 Members of Congress – 189 Representatives and a solid majority of 58 Senators – signed a bipartisan letter to President Barack Obama expressing their support for a robust FY11 International Affairs Budget.  This is an extraordinary statement of support for the smart power agenda, the International Affairs Budget, and – ultimately [...]