Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, submitted into Monday’s Congressional Record USGLC’s NSAC letter supporting the President’s $58.5 billion request for the International Affairs Budget. “Madam Speaker,” Berman wrote, “I rise today to submit this letter signed by 48 retired four- and three-star generals/flag officers urging Congress to support the President’s FY11 International Affairs Budget request–given its importance to U.S. national security.” The Chairman quoted the letter’s statement that balancing U.S. military power with the range of programs from the International Affairs budget is critical to stabilizing fragile states, combating terrorism, and deterring threats before they reach America’s shores. “I couldn’t agree more and appreciate the hard work that these signatories and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition have done to support our International Affairs Budget,” Berman stated.

A senior delegation of the letter’s military signatories from NSAC were on Capitol Hill Wednesday talking with lawmakers about how important the International Affairs Budget is to national security.  Co-Chairs General Michael Hagee, USMC (Ret.) and Admiral James Loy, USCG (Ret.)  led the group of a retired flag officers and 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.