Development and Diplomacy a Cost-Effective Investment for America  

Washington, DC — The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition released the following statement on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for State and Foreign Operations approval of $50.6 billion for FY 2014 from USGLC Co-President and Caterpillar International Governmental Affairs Director Bill Lane and National Security Advisory Council Member General Charles Wald, USAF (Ret.):

“We are grateful for the Senate’s leadership today in affirming the strong return on investment America receives from our International Affairs Budget.  The risk of disengagement is dangerous to our security and economic interests. Without this critical funding, we will not have the tools to address global hotspots such as in North Africa and the Middle East or be able to tap into the fastest growing markets for our exports, which are in the developing world.

“Development and diplomacy are cost-effective tools that prevent conflicts before they have the opportunity to occur and require military intervention, save millions of lives, and create environments where American businesses can thrive overseas and better compete in the global economy.

“The disproportionate cuts in this year’s House bill amount to over a 30 percent cut in just four years.  In contrast, the Senate has embraced a smart approach to ensure we have the resources to meet the challenges we face around the world, and we urge Congress to support the Senate funding levels as the appropriations process moves forward.”

Please visit USGLC’s up-to-the-minute online Budget Center for detailed analysis on the FY 2014 International Affairs Budget.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world. 

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