FARGO, ND – At a conversation today hosted by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-At Large) spoke about the importance of supporting continued U.S. engagement around the world and why it matters locally to North Dakota communities. Rep. Armstrong was joined by Lt. General Timothy G. Fay, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Governor Ed Schafer, for a discussion with local and national leaders on America’s role in the world and how American leadership in the world helps North Dakota’s economy and families.  

“North Dakota plays a vital role in establishing energy, food, and national security. This helps our country project strength and leadership on the global stage. We are proud of the role our state has in U.S. engagement around the world,” said Rep. Kelly Armstrong.  

Also speaking about why U.S. leadership globally matters locally were: Kylie Oversen, former member of the North Dakota House of Representatives and Chair, North Dakota Democratic-NPL, and Drew Combs, Executive Director, North Dakota Trade Office. The conversation, hosted by USGLC, brought together business, non-profit, veteran, faith, and community leaders from Fargo and the wider region.  

Lt. General Fay spoke to the importance of investing in our civilian national security toolkit as “preventative maintenance [to] ensure we don’t go high and right, and we end up in the military realm,” and emphasized that it is “way worth the investment.”  

Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Governor Ed Schafer spoke on what’s it worth for America to invest in our development and diplomacy programs, saying U.S. leadership on the global stage, “makes a difference… It’s the presence, it’s people with people” and helps promote “peace in the world… through America’s culture, values [and] character.” 

With more than $5.2 billion in global exports from North Dakota in 2021, America’s investments in diplomacy and development benefit North Dakota locally. In 2019, over 107,000 jobs in North Dakota were supported by international trade. Of the over 1,500 North Dakota businesses that export goods, 85 percent are small or medium-sized businesses.  

“When it comes to protecting our economic and national security interests, North Dakotans recognize the importance of strategic investments in U.S. development and diplomacy programs,” said Nezar Jamal, USGLC Director of Heartland Outreach. “Rep. Armstrong understands that leading globally matters locally to families and communities across North Dakota. We welcome his leadership and continued support for global development assistance around the world. We’re fortunate to see so many North Dakota leaders committed to advancing America’s leadership on the global stage.” 

For the full discussion, watch the event here.  

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