SAN ANTONIO, TX — Today, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted a conversation with Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), “America and the World: How San Antonio Wins,” bringing together over 150 veteran, business, community, and faith leaders for a discussion on how America’s international engagement through development and diplomacy, alongside defense, directly advances the economic competitiveness and prosperity of San Antonio and Texas.

Rep. Castro was joined by Armen Babajanian, President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of San Antonio; The Honorable Henry Cisneros, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Mayor of San Antonio; Ambassador Luis G. Moreno, former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica; and Vice Admiral James D. Syring, U.S. Navy (Ret.), former Director of the Missile Defense Agency, to highlight how strategic international assistance delivers returns for Texas communities.

As the nation’s leading exporting state, Texas reaches every part of the global economy, with international trade supporting one in five jobs statewide and generating over $509 billion in exports annually. As a major economic hub in America’s top exporting state—with businesses that export to markets across the globe—San Antonio has a clear stake in America’s international engagement.

Representative Castro emphasized the importance of principled American leadership on the global stage: “San Antonio businesses and workers demonstrate that when America leads strategically on the world stage, our community wins. Our region’s companies export to markets around the globe, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening partnerships with allies. Strategic international engagement creates the stable conditions our businesses need to compete globally and the economic opportunities that keep San Antonio thriving.”

“Texas, and particularly San Antonio, are crucial to America’s leadership on the world stage—and benefit greatly because of it. From creating export-related jobs to keeping the state and city safer, America’s international engagement adds real value to Texan communities,” said Kiersten Kullenberg, USGLC Regional Director. “We’re grateful to Congressman Castro for his unwavering support of development and diplomacy, and for leading the effort in the House to fight for the international assistance programs that save lives, promote democracy, and ultimately create a safer and more prosperous America.”

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