Watch the full event here: https://youtu.be/K-6X42gcJjc

WASHINGTON, D.C. / FT. COLLINS – Today, Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) joined Colorado political, 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.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, we cannot ignore the link between our country and the world. This virus does not respect borders, posing a threat to the health and security of everyone— whether in Colorado or halfway around the globe,” said Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO). “As we continue to respond to the ongoing crisis here at home, we must also lead in the global response. At such a critical moment, I stand behind investments in our country’s global health, diplomacy and foreign assistance programs, which will play such an important role in stemming the spread of COVID-19 and addressing the devastation the virus has caused worldwide— efforts that are vital to our own economic recovery and the well-being of communities across America.”

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).

“Congress has the tough task of orchestrating a response to COVID-19, but they would be remiss if they didn’t include ample resources for the international response,” said Dan Glickman, Executive Director, Congressional Program, Aspen Institute. “Fighting this pandemic overseas is critical to America’s domestic response. By addressing COVID-19 globally, we can help keep it from returning to our shores while also looking out for our country’s health, economic and security interests.”

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 we’ve heard today, Congressman Neguse clearly understands the importance of America’s role in the world for Colorado and for our country,” said Ariana Reks, USGLC Government Relations Director. “In the midst of a global pandemic, he is calling on the U.S. to lead both at home and abroad – not only to defeat COVID-19, but also to advance the health, security, and prosperity of all Americans and millions more worldwide.”

Many of today’s participants are members of the USGLC’s Colorado Advisory Committee, a strong and growing coalition that brings together more than 130 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Colorado.