Watch the full event here: https://youtu.be/asHUHEysUp4 

WASHINGTON, D.C. / COLUMBIA – Today, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) joined South Carolina 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 South Carolina and across the country.

“During these challenging times, the health and safety of American families is the top priority. I will continue working with my colleagues to prioritize the resources necessary to combat the Wuhan virus on the home front, while also considering how to work with other countries to fight it around the world,” said Congressman Wilson. “As a member of both the Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, I know how important the State Department, USAID, and other agencies are in fighting this pandemic globally and keeping American families safe. Through their efforts, we can stop the spread of the virus and prevent new outbreaks from threatening our safety and way of life.”

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).

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 South Carolina, where over 550,700 jobs in the state are tied to international trade and exports to foreign markets total more than $34.6 billion a year.

“In the face of this pandemic, it’s been great to hear from Congressman Wilson about the steps Congress plans to take to address the crisis around the world,” said Jason Gross, USGLC Executive Director. “He understands that leading globally— through our country’s global health and international programs— will help defeat COVID-19 and protect Americans from future outbreaks.”

Many of today’s participants are members of the USGLC’s South Carolina Advisory Committee, a strong and growing coalition that brings together more than 120 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for South Carolina.