Rubio Says Lack of U.S. Engagement Would Come With High Price

Washington, DC — The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition released the following statement from National Security Advisory Committee Co-Chairs General Michael Hagee, USMC (Ret.) and Admiral James Loy, USCG (Ret.) on Senator Marco Rubio’s remarks this morning in support of American global engagement.

“Senator Rubio made a convincing and welcome case for American engagement and leadership around the world. He rightly recognizes that some of the best tools for preventing crises—diplomacy and foreign assistance– are essential to reducing threats to our national security.  They express core American democratic and humanitarian values, and they expand valuable opportunities for trade with new markets around the world.

“His words were wise and timely, given that diplomacy and foreign assistance have been severely underfunded for several years. We look forward to his continued leadership on this issue.”

Here are some select quotes from Senator Rubio’s speech:

“While military might may be our most eye-catching method of involvement abroad, it is far from being our most often utilized.  In most cases, the decisive use of diplomacy, foreign assistance, and economic power are the most effective ways to achieve our interests and stop problems before they spiral into crises.”

“A globally engaged America comes at a steep price… But the history of our young nation is full of warnings that a lack of American engagement comes with an even higher price of its own.”

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.  The USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council is made up of nearly 150 retired three and four star flag and general officers from all branches of the U.S. military.

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