Watch the full event here: https://youtu.be/sP3RHiKeJ5s

WASHINGTON, D.C. / SCRANTON, PA – Today, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) joined Pennsylvania political, business, and community leaders in a virtual town hall to discuss the importance of American global health, diplomacy, and development programs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the health and safety of all Americans—in Pennsylvania and across the country.

“As Pennsylvania and the United States battle this public health crisis, it is critical that our Nation continues to lead on the global stage. We’ve seen that COVID-19 knows no borders, and as long as it continues to rapidly spread, it is a threat to all of us,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “We must stop this disease at home and abroad for the health and safety of all Americans. That is why I am committed to providing robust funding for the U.S. to help lead the international response. By helping to contain COVID-19 worldwide, we can ensure the well-being of our families and communities at home while aiding in the economic recovery here in Pennsylvania and around the world.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted today’s online event at a time when policy makers are considering our country’s response to the pandemic at home and abroad, including resources for the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).

“America has led the charge in developing innovative treatments and vaccines for some of the world’s greatest health challenges, from polio to HIV/AIDS to Ebola,” said Carmen Villar, Vice President of Social Business Innovation, Merck. “I am proud that, in the face of the current pandemic, Merck and other American companies are stepping forward, applying our vast knowledge and innovative thinking to confront this public health emergency across the world.”

U.S. international engagement is crucial to deal with the pandemic, from a global health perspective as well as an economic one—an especially important matter in Pennsylvania, where over 1.4 million jobs in the state are tied to international trade and exports to foreign markets total more than $41.2 billion a year.

“For better or for worse, COVID-19 has underscored how interconnected our world is, and we’re fortunate Senator Casey could join us today to discuss why American leadership is essential to addressing complex global challenges like pandemics,” said Ariana Reks, USGLC Government Relations Director. “A leading voice in Congress for strengthening our nation’s civilian development and diplomacy tools, he understands that U.S. engagement abroad is directly tied to the health, security, and prosperity of all Americans.”

Many of today’s participants are members of the USGLC’s Pennsylvania Advisory Committee, a strong and growing coalition that brings together more than 180 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Pennsylvania.