Watch the full event here: https://youtu.be/Mq8nSci5u1w

WASHINGTON, D.C. / AURORA – Today, Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) joined Colorado governmental, business, and community leaders in a virtual town hall to discuss the importance of American global health, diplomacy, and development programs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the health and safety of all Americans—in Colorado and across the country.

“The coronavirus pandemic doesn’t care about borders or political boundaries. If this crisis has shown us anything it’s that America must work together with other nations to respond to this global health threat. That means limiting the spread of the virus overseas and right here in Colorado,” said Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO). “I remain committed to making sure we have the resources needed for our country’s diplomats, health experts, development personnel, and other frontline workers who are working tirelessly overseas to fight coronavirus in order to protect our health and security.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted today’s online event at a time when policy makers are considering our country’s response to the pandemic at home and abroad, including resources for the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).

“We all have a part to play in combating this global pandemic,” said Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA. “For Siemens, that means providing innovative technologies and solutions to address COVID-19 here in the United States and around the world. But without the leadership of both the private and public sectors, we risk leaving millions vulnerable to infection and devastation. That’s why our congressional leaders must also step up in the international response to COVID-19. Together, our contributions can help to stop the spread of this virus and any potential resurgence in the future.”

U.S. international engagement is crucial to deal with the pandemic, from a global health perspective as well as an economic one—an especially important matter in Colorado, where over 720,800 jobs in the state are tied to international trade and exports to foreign markets total more than $8.3 billion a year. 

“As an Army veteran and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Crow speaks with great authority and firsthand experience about our national security and how to keep Americans safe” said Liz Schrayer, USGLC President & CEO. “Which is why it is so impressive to hear him speak out in support of investing in diplomacy and global development, in the midst of today’s global pandemic, in order to protect the health and security of Coloradans and all American citizens.”

Many of today’s participants are members of the USGLC’s Colorado Advisory Committee, a strong and growing coalition that brings together more than 100 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Colorado.