Secretary Gates Calls for Increased Investment in International Affairs Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign applaud Defense Secretary Robert Gates for calling for “a dramatic increase in spending on the civilian instruments of national security – diplomacy, strategic communications, foreign assistance, civic action and economic reconstruction and development,” in a major speech at Kansas State University on Monday. Secretary Gates clearly articulated the need to increase U.S. spending on diplomatic and development programs funded by the International Affairs Budget in order to address the global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

“We applaud Secretary Gates for recognizing the importance of investing in the International Affairs Budget to help build global stability. The diplomatic, development, and humanitarian programs contained in the International Affairs Budget are critical to achieving U.S. foreign policy and national security goals,” said George Ingram, President of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign.

“Secretary Gates’ comments reflect the first hand and every day experience of the military’s response to the growing need to invest in a robust International Affairs Budget. He recognizes that America must not only invest in its military capabilities, but also in its non-military capacity to address global political, economic, and humanitarian challenges,” said Joel Johnson, former Vice President of International Affairs of the Aerospace Industry Association.

The comments by Secretary Gates are consistent with a growing recognition by the military for the need to invest in a robust International Affairs Budget. This is reflected in three major reports, including the 2006 National Security Strategy, the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review, and the 9/11 Commission Report, all which called for greater investments in diplomacy and development to reducing long-term threats to our national security and invest in America’s civilian capacity to complement the Pentagon’s core mission to defend the United States.

The global initiatives funded by the International Affairs Budget build markets for U.S. exports, provide for U.S. embassy personnel and security, and promote good governance practices that strengthen democracies. They also facilitate the formation of international coalitions, fund nonproliferation and anti-terrorism efforts, and help people around the globe build a future of hope and opportunity.
About the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign
The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) is a broad-based, nationwide coalition of businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community leaders that advocates for a strong U.S. International Affairs Budget. Members of the USGLC – a vibrant, influential network of 400 organizations and thousands of individuals – engage policymakers in the nation’s capital and educate the public around the country to build support for these essential programs.

The International Affairs Budget provides America with the fundamental tools to meet the global challenges of the 21st century and is critical to protecting our national security, building economic prosperity, and strengthening humanitarian values. For more information, visit www.usglc.org.

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