U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)

This week, top military leaders including United States Southern Command Admiral Alvin Holsey, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)'s General Michael Langley, U.S. Northern Command's General Gregory Guillot, and The Joint Staff's nominee General Dan Caine testified on Capitol Hill, emphasizing the vital roles of development and diplomacy in advancing U.S. national security. Hear what they had to say 🎥👇 

This week, our president and CEO Liz Schrayer submitted testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs offering a forward-looking vision for smart investments in international assistance that deliver for the American people. Read her testimony 👇  https://lnkd.in/gDaXE8YH 

As part of our Farmers for Prosperity initiative, we hosted roundtables in Illinois and Missouri with Lt. General John Castellaw for conversations about how smart investments in international assistance help combat the global food crisis and advance the security and prosperity of American farmers. 🇺🇸 🌾 Farmers for Prosperity is network of agricultural leaders committed to harnessing American resources to feed the world and expand export market opportunities for our producers. Read more:https://lnkd.in/g28QnETF Rose Leonard John G. Castellaw  

Veterans continue to lead — both in uniform and beyond. Last week, veterans across Kentucky came together at U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) Veterans for Smart Power roundtables to discuss how America’s global leadership through diplomacy and development directly strengthens our national security. With the insights of Lt Gen Lawrence Nicholson and VADM Matthew Kohler, we explored how our soft power tools, alongside our defense, counter our adversaries and protect our nation. If you’re a veteran — or know one — I encourage you to share this and invite them to join Veterans for Smart Power: https://lnkd.in/gJMQ6Gbx

General Laura J. Richardson, Co-Chair of USGLC's National Security Advisory Council, joined CNN to discuss her visit to Capitol Hill last week with a delegation of nearly a dozen three- and four-star generals and admirals. They made the case for why strategic, cost-effective investments in international assistance are key to outcompeting China, preventing threats from reaching U.S. shores, strengthening our economy, and keeping America safe. With decades of military leadership, including her time as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, Richardson emphasized that "the military instrument of national power is not the only instrument that keeps Americans safe." She stressed the need to pair military strength with diplomacy and international assistance to build strategic relationships and foster goodwill—ultimately making America #SaferStronger and more prosperous. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ef7jx_Ej

Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) —speaking for over 20 hours on Senate floor—engaged in an exchange with Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) on the consequences of defunding development and diplomacy. Coons referenced General James Mattis, who as U.S. Central Command Commander, stated before the Senate Armed Services Committee, that “If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition.” In response to Sen. Coons, Sen. Booker emphasized that international assistance combats terrorism and promotes democracy, but cutting it opens the door to adversaries like China: “They show up and they leverage influence.”

“We’ve got to show up with our jersey on. We’ve got to be on the field playing. We’ve got to be there competing against our adversaries.” - General Laura J. Richardson, former head of U.S. Southern Command tells Newsmax Media, Inc. what's needed for America to win.  

U.S. international assistance strengthens Alabama’s economy📈📊🏛️ —here’s why. In her recent op-ed, Anne W. Burkett, CGBP, Executive Director of the North Alabama International Trade Association, highlights how investments in international assistance help open new markets and strengthen local economies such as Alabama's where “More than 530,000 jobs are supported by trade, which makes up nearly 20 percent of all jobs in the state.” Burkett emphasizes that U.S. international assistance helps create the nonviolent, secure environments necessary for trade. “These efforts stabilize economic landscapes and consumer markets, making lucrative trade relationships possible. It is much easier to trade with a peaceful, stable country than a country at war.” In Alabama, where companies exported $27.4 billion in goods in 2023, the majority of which came from small- and medium-sized businesses, this is especially important. As Alabama expands its global trade, Burkett notes that the government plays a critical part: “Nothing can replace the vital role the government plays in fostering international trade and collaboration, in part through development and diplomacy.” International assistance strengthens institutions abroad, fights corruption, and opens new markets for U.S. companies. But there are serious risks if we pull back. Burkett warns that “In Alabama alone, state-based organizations stand to lose a total of $101 million from discontinued USAID contracts and assistance.” This would threaten the trade relationships that support thousands of jobs in the state. And, as Burkett points out, “foreign competitors such as China will swoop in to fill the void of American leadership.” “Alabama businesses and employees depend on the stable markets that foreign aid creates.” While we must ensure U.S. funds are used wisely, we cannot retreat from the global stage. #ReformNotRetreat Read Anne’s full op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/erDfxYSY

Following our #NSACHillDay, General Laura Richardson and Admiral John “Fozzie” Miller joined Newsmax Media, Inc. to discuss the importance of U.S. global leadership and engagement, arguing that if America fails to lead on the world stage, China will fill that void. 🎥 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/e3jdwGqE

“I served in the military for 28 years. During my tenure, I saw firsthand how international engagement and assistance complement military might to protect American interests abroad.” - August Mission CEO Lt. Colonel Bruce Roberts in Deseret News 👇 https://lnkd.in/eECsD9SX