WASHINGTON, DC – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) released the following statement on the passing of former House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger (R-TX): 

USGLC is deeply saddened by the passing of former Congresswoman Kay Granger—a true champion of effective international assistance who helped ensure America remains a force for good in the world. 

Her legacy is shaped by her historic leadership of the House Appropriations Committee where she was an expert as the leader of the Defense Subcommittee but also a trailblazer in her work on the State-Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Subcommittee where she led efforts on empowering women and girls, investing in global health, strengthening U.S. alliances, and advancing human rights.  

I first got to know Congresswoman Granger early in her career when USGLC hosted her in her beloved home district of Fort Worth. Before a packed audience of local business, faith, and military leaders, she was clear-eyed that American engagement in the world was not just the right thing to do, but simply in America’s interests.  

She made it a priority to keep learning by seeing the impact of these programs firsthand, traveling frequently to Africa and other parts of the world to witness how the initiatives she championed—from PEPFAR to maternal and child health —were transforming lives and communities while strengthening America’s economy and national security. 

We were privileged to honor Congresswoman Granger at our annual Tribute Celebration in 2013, where she was recognized alongside Congresswoman Nita Lowey, her bipartisan partner on the SFOPS Subcommittee. Accepting the award, she spoke passionately about how U.S. leadership abroad matters to Americans at home: “The United States plays an important role on the world stage both in terms of our leadership and our responsibility… The benefits are real and tangible.” 

Congresswoman Granger will be deeply missed by so many across the U.S. and around the world who will continue to benefit from the impact of her legacy.  

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