FULL TRANSCRIPTS AND VIDEO REMARKS:

• Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken
• Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)
• Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

PRESS HANDOUT PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE HERE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Congress considers a national security emergency package to respond to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, increasing competition with China, and rising global humanitarian crises, more than 700 top business, military, faith, and political leaders gathered tonight in Washington, D.C., along with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s (USGLC) 2023 Tribute Celebration.

At the celebration, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken was honored with the USGLC “Global Leadership Award” for his work to strengthen diplomacy and development and to pay tribute to his unwavering commitment to advancing U.S. global leadership, alongside the women and men at the U.S. Department of State.

In a fireside conversation with USGLC President and CEO, Liz Schrayer, Secretary Blinken said, “The changes that we’re going through right now are so profound, with such potential impact… that the decisions we make now about how to deal with those changes are probably going to have an impact and shape the next 20, 30, 40, 50 years. So that’s the import of the moment. And what we’ve seen is, of course, a rise again of great power competition in ways that I think many hoped were behind us after the end of the Cold War. And at the same time, a multiplicity of global challenges… that we don’t have the luxury of ignoring because they have a direct impact on the lives the American people.”

And, on the supplemental funding request before Congress, Secretary Blinken added, “I can tell you where people are who do not want to see the supplemental pass. They’re sitting in offices in Beijing, Moscow and Tehran.”

The USGLC also honored Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) for championing America’s global leadership and helping to build a better, safer world by advancing U.S. development and diplomacy programs and fighting hunger around the world.

“I am grateful and humbled to be honored alongside this incredible group of people who have dedicated their lives to public service and U.S. leadership,” said Senator Booker. “For the United States to flourish and thrive, we must continue to build a broad-based, bipartisan coalition of partners to advocate for investments in diplomacy, development, and security. We must be engaged in the world and prioritize partnership and cooperation over hate and conflict.”

“As a combat veteran, I understand firsthand the importance of American leadership and the consequences of its absence,” said Senator Ernst. “In a time of increased threats from emboldened adversaries, the United States must engage around the world and lead by example – and that will require robust diplomatic engagement.”

Additionally, former USGLC State Advisory Committee members who have since been elected to Congress – Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Jason Crow (D-CO), Mike Flood (R-NE), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) – were recognized for their leadership.

“I’m honored by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s recognition,” said Rep. Jason Crow. “From serving in the military to Congress, I’ve dedicated my career to strengthening American leadership and affirming our commitment to human rights, democracy, and diplomacy. Thank you to USGLC for advancing America’s security interests and values at home and abroad.”

“As a proud former member of USGLC’s North Carolina State Advisory Committee, I’m honored to be recognized this evening,” said Rep. Deborah Ross. “During a time of unprecedented threats against democracy at home and abroad, the world needs American leadership now more than ever. I’m grateful for the critical work of USGLC and remain committed to advocating for strong U.S. global leadership and diplomacy.”

“It is truly an honor for the USGLC community to recognize a leader as dedicated to protecting America’s interests in the world as our 71^st Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Throughout his career, Secretary Blinken has worked tirelessly to strengthen America’s diplomacy and development programs, with Presidents and policymakers seeking out his guidance and expertise. As Secretary of State, he has brought great vision and talent in his commitment to the State Department and USAID workforce, as well as his impressive ‘shuttle diplomacy,’ determined to make the world a better, safer place. For his contributions to America’s prosperity and security, we are proud to honor Secretary Blinken with the USGLC Global Leadership Award,” said USGLC President and CEO Liz Schrayer.

“We are also thrilled to honor dedicated bipartisan leadership in Congress, through the outstanding commitment of Senators Cory Booker and Joni Ernst,” continued Schrayer. “From the power of America’s farmers to feed the world, which Senator Ernst champions so passionately, to America’s moral responsibility in the world as expressed by Senator Booker, these two leaders have been passionate and effective voices in the Senate when it comes to American global leadership.  As America faces dangerous threats from China, Russia, and Iran, it is a privilege to recognize these two strong voices, dedicated and determined to ensure America remains the shining city on the Hill.”

The USGLC’s annual Tribute Celebration brings together members of the foreign policy and international development community to honor outstanding champions of American global leadership. Tonight’s celebration was co-chaired by Deborah Telman of Gilead and Mark Viso of Food for the Hungry.

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