Press handout photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmC5GWA5

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/Q2pBIWicRl8

AUSTIN – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) told more than 140 Austin business, veteran, and community leaders today that, for Texas to succeed, America must invest in its role as a global leader—and that starts with American diplomacy and development programs.

“American global engagement is crucial for U.S. national security and economic growth,” said Congressman Michael McCaul. “Not only does it reduce violence worldwide and improve global stability, it helps to open new doors for American businesses overseas and creates jobs here in Texas. As the Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I understand the key to these gains are our diplomacy and development programs around the world, and I will continue to prioritize funding for these vital programs to the service of our nation.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted today’s foreign policy forum in the wake of the Administration’s latest budget proposal released last week, which called for a 24% cut to the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“The new national security strategy makes clear that in addition to this long standing, ongoing set of transnational threats: Ebola, famine, migration, drug trafficking, we have a new threat set which is rising power from rising competition from other great powers,” said Barbara Stephenson, President of the American Foreign Service Association. “In order to compete we have to actually up our game and it’s absolutely true… We cannot afford to cede whole swaths of continents to a competing power. Presence is influence. You cannot lead if you are not there.

Over 2.8 million jobs in Texas are tied to international trade, and Texas’ exports to foreign markets total more than $264 billion a year—meaning U.S. international engagement isn’t just a matter of national security, it’s a strategic economic issue for the Lone Star State.

“As the top exporting state in the country, Texas depends on America remaining competitive in the global economy,” said Bill Lane, Executive Director of Trade for America. “When we invest in emerging markets overseas, especially in Africa, the entire country stands to benefit, and Texas above all. And with access to new markets, we not only increase our exports and create jobs here at home— we lift up economies and communities around the world.”

A strong and growing coalition in the state, the USGLC’s Texas Advisory Committee brings together nearly 170 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Texas.

“Texans are fortunate to have such a champion for America’s global leadership in Congressman McCaul – when he speaks everyone listens,” said Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. “In just a few short months in leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he is clearly making a mark for Texas and advancing America’s security and economic interests around the world.”

Also participating in today’s forum was Beth Cubriel, Director of Michael Best Strategies; Todd Speer, Co-Founder, Global Aid Consultants; and Jeff Moseley, CEO, Texas Association of Business.