Senator Coons is an exceptional choice to lead the SFOPS Subcommittee at a time when U.S. investments in development, diplomacy, and global health profoundly matter to Americans’ health and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Following long-time champion and Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy and alongside another critical leader, Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Coons brings tremendous expertise, experience, and commitment to this pivotal role.

A trusted friend of the USGLC community and 2015 USGLC Tribute honoree, Senator Coons has been at the forefront of nearly every bipartisan effort to promote U.S. engagement around the world over the past several years, such as the BUILD Act to the Global Fragility Act and the Food Security Act, knowing these investments directly impact American interests at home. As the former Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Global Health, he will be ready to lead on day one when it comes to addressing our international response to COVID. Last November, he told more than 1,000 leaders at USGLC’s annual Mid-Atlantic Summit, “if we don’t take action, things will only get worse—across America and around the world.”

We congratulate Chairman Coons and stand ready to work with him to strengthen America’s role in the world and ensure our diplomacy and development programs deliver for America’s families.