U.S. Global Leadership Coalition “Salutes the Heartland” and Pays Tribute to Outstanding Bipartisan Champions of America’s International Affairs Programs

Handout photos for press usage: http://bit.ly/2hb8vsQ

Washington, D.C. — As the U.S. faces growing challenges abroad, more than 800 top military, faith, non-profit and policy leaders gathered tonight at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the many recent bipartisan successes in global development and to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening America’s global leadership.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s annual Tribute Dinner showcases the positive impact of America’s International Affairs Budget on our country and the world at large — and recognizes outstanding leadership in the foreign policy community.

This evening, the USGLC paid tribute to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for his tireless efforts in the fight for global food security and Chairman of the U.S. Appropriations Committee Hal Rogers for his remarkable leadership and support for U.S. foreign assistance programs. With their rural roots, both honorees were named this year’s “Heartland Heroes.”

“We can empower farmers all over the world to be better farmers,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We are going to make those countries more secure and more economically prosperous. We are making sure there are fewer hungry children and at the end of the day every one of you is going to be safer.”

“I am truly humbled by the recognition that you have extended to Secretary Vilsack and myself,” said Chairman Hal Rogers. Speaking to a ballroom full of business and NGO leaders, “You people are dreamers, visionaries, and I hope you recognize—and I think you do, that old saying, a vision without funding is a hallucination.”

“Tonight is a time to celebrate the great bipartisan success story in Washington— the eight pieces of legislation signed into law in the past two years to advance global and economic development,” said Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the USGLC. “From water to food security to rights for women and girls, these programs are a win for American global leadership will help us to build a better, safer and more prosperous world.”

Attendees also heard from Governor Tom Ridge. President Obama, Speaker Paul Ryan, and House Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey paid tribute to the honorees via video message.

The evening concluded with a performance by Grammy-nominated Della Mae, an all-female band currently serving as cultural ambassadors for the U.S. State Department’s American Music Abroad program.

The evening also celebrated the eight significant pieces of global development legislation signed into law in the last two years. In a demonstration of bipartisanship, 15 Senators and Representatives joined together to produce this short, fun video.

Top Quotes from USGLC’s 2016 Tribute Dinner:

“Just as he has boosted rural communities here at home, he’s also led around the world. Through our Feed the Future initiative, he’s worked to combat world hunger —leading international efforts to boost nutrition in schools, opened up data, supported small farmers, and trained the next generation of agriculture leaders and thinkers. And all of that is important because, as Tom knows, this kind of work isn’t simply charity, its smart power. It makes us safer. And it develops markets for American products.” – President Obama in a video tribute to Secretary Vilsack

“Hal is a person that I looked at as a mentor and someone who just taught me how to be really effective in getting things done and how to treat people with respect. He’s a tough guy, he’s a tough negotiator, but he’s very respectful to everybody, and I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned there.” – Speaker Paul Ryan in a video tribute to Chairman Rogers

“I congratulate my friend and counterpart Hal Rogers on being honored this year by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. Hal and I both believe that U.S. national security is a bipartisan issue and we have worked closely to promote U.S. security and foreign policy interests…We both recognize that our country is and must remain a moral leader in the world. Working to save lives is part of that leadership, in addition to being the right thing to do. Foreign assistance is essential to our national security.” – House Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey in a video tribute to Chairman Rogers

“As we look to the new year ahead, we will need you more than ever to strengthen our cause and our mission. Your support means the world to a lot of people.” – Governor Tom Ridge

“Those of us who make up the USGLC know that now is not the time to pull back, but to step forward – to lead and to engage in the world, in order to advance our interests.  Investing in diplomacy and development is an investment in the future prosperity and stability of the United States and the world.”- Chris Policinski, President & CEO, Land O’ Lakes

“American Foreign Assistance is really the hand of American friendship to the world—perhaps the most practical way to build positive relationships that promote peace and stability.” – Rich Stearns, President, World Vision U.S.

“He knows how to make farming an agent of change, an agent of peace…Let’s all together make sure that farming and food is what always will improve the world.”- Celebrity Chef José Andrés in a video tribute to Secretary Vilsack

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The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.