WASHINGTON – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition President and CEO, Liz Schrayer, released the following statement on the use of America’s civilian tools in the Administration’s National Security Strategy:

With the Administration’s “America First” National Security Strategy outlining a new direction for American engagement in the world, we are pleased to see the Administration call to “synchronize… diplomatic, economic, and military tools” to “improve governance” and stability in developing countries and fragile states. The attention to how development investments “empower women and youth” and “support food security” to advance America’s interests will be vital as we work to confront emerging threats and crises around the world.

We welcome how the strategy underscores the historically central role of American foreign assistance in forging our strongest allies and partners, an important marker as the Administration works to “modernize” and “integrate all elements of America’s national power.” At the same time – particularly with its new emphasis on competition – we urge the Administration to prioritize resources for the State Department, USAID, and other international affairs programs to advance America’s interests around the world.