U.S. Global Leadership Campaign Recognize Foreign Affairs Leaders as Part of Annual Washington Conference and Lobby Day

Washington, D.C. – On July 25, the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign held one of its three annual Lobby Days in Washington, D.C. The day featured more than 200 USGLC members from 22 states meeting with over 100 Members of Congress to urge their support for the $35.8 billion FY08 International Affairs Budget. WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 25, the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign held one of its three annual Lobby Days in Washington D.C. The day featured more than 200 USGLC members from 22 states meeting with over 100 Members of Congress to urge their support for the $35.8 billion FY08 International Affairs Budget.

Armed with real life examples of successful programs funded through the International Affairs Budget, USGLC business, faith-based and NGO members – – from Land O’ Lakes, Catholic Relief Services, Microsoft Corporation, CARE, Northrop Grumman, International Rescue Committee to DuPont – – descended on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to support critical funding for U.S. global engagement.

As a part of the day’s activities, the Campaign recognized both House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), Ranking Republican Member, Senate Foreign relations committee, for their leadership in ensuring full funding for the U.S. International Affairs Budget which funds programs that protect national security, strengthen America’s humanitarian values and build economic prosperity at home and abroad.

“Throughout his career, Majority Leader Hoyer has been a strong proponent of a fully funded International Affairs Budget,” said Karl Hoffman, President and Chief Executive Officer, PSI. “Over his years of distinguished service, Congressman Hoyer has become a greatly respected voice on the importance of diplomacy and U.S. global engagement .

“Senator Lugar has been one of the true champions of the U.S. Global Leadership’s cause throughout his over 30 years of service in the United States Senate,” said John Murphy, Vice President, International Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “He is a highly respected foreign policy voice, a thoughtful and important visionary on U.S. global engagement, and a true champion in securing funding for a strong International Affairs Budget.”

There is growing support in Congress for a fully funded International Affairs Budget and a recognizition of the importance of diplomacy and development in U.S. international engagement,” said George Ingram, President of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign. “America is facing its greatest global challenges since the end of the Cold War and funding for the International Affairs Budget is integral to the future and security of America.”

For a little more than 1 percent of the federal budget, the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign calls on Congress to approve the FY08 funding request for $35.8 billion for the International Affairs Budget and urges the President and Congress to fully commit to increasing America’s overall investment in diplomacy, development and international economic programs in the years ahead.

About the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign
The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) is a broad-based, nationwide coalition of businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community leaders that advocates for a strong U.S. International Affairs Budget. Members of the USGLC – a vibrant, influential network of 400 organizations and thousands of individuals – engage policymakers and educate the public around the country to build support for these essential programs.

The International Affairs Budget provides America with the fundamental tools to meet the global challenges of the 21st century and is critical to protecting our national security, building economic prosperity and strengthening humanitarian values. For additional information, visit www.usglc.org.

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