11 Percent Cut Draws Concerns from Military and Business Leaders

Washington, DC – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition expressed strong concern today with cuts to America’s development and diplomatic tools in the House Budget Committee’s FY 2015 Budget Resolution.  This represents an 11 percent cut from current funding and would bring funding down 24% since 2010.

“Now is not the time to cut America’s vital tools of national security given the growing number of hotspots around the globe,” said General Anthony Zinni, Co-Chair of USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council.  “The International Affairs Budget has already seen large reductions in the past few years, and now is not the time to diminish America’s leadership in the world.”

“America’s economy is dependent on the global economy, and the International Affairs Budget is a powerful engine for trade and economic growth,” said Bill Lane, USGLC Co-President and International Affairs Governmental Director.  “If we cut back on our economic engagement in the world, our competitors will fill that void.”

“From the crisis in Ukraine to the growing humanitarian tragedy in Syria, continuing to cut these programs is not an option,” said Liz Schrayer, USGLC Executive Director.  “America has always served as a beacon of hope and freedom, and we look forward to working with both the House and the Senate to ensure the resources needed to protect our nation, keep our economy growing, and demonstrate our values in the world are there.”

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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