Hi Friend –

I’m writing from Capitol Hill this morning where I am honored to join more than 30 of America’s most impressive military leaders. They have traveled to our nation’s capital to meet with Senators and Representatives to send a clear message: support our nation’s diplomacy and development programs, alongside defense, in order to keep America safe.

These leaders – all retired three- and four-star generals and admirals – are part of USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council, a group of more than 260 military leaders. Our time on Capitol Hill could not be more consequential, as the White House just released its new national security emergency package to Congress to step up America’s response to all the rising global threats.

Our Military Council Co-Chairs, General Anthony Zinni and Admiral James Stavridis, spoke out ahead of their high-level visits in the House and Senate on the need for emergency resources for America’s diplomatic and humanitarian toolkit:

• “…A new national security emergency package for the State Department, USAID, and other civilian agencies will be essential for countering our adversaries and competitors, responding to the wars in Israel and Ukraine, strengthening our engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and supporting democratic values around the world.”

On the global challenges facing the United States, particularly from Russia to China, they add:

• “With rising threats from authoritarianism, terrorism, and global instability, this is not a moment that America can shrink from the global stage. Bolstering America’s diplomatic and development toolkit at this time of global peril is indispensable for U.S. national security.”

Ahead of another potential government shutdown, the military leaders are also urging Congress to support a strong and robust budget for America’s civilian national security toolkit for next year, following the significant cuts to the State Department and USAID passed in the House last month – along with the imperative of confirming Ambassadors and other nominees to get America’s team on the global playing field.

More to share soon – including the latest updates from the Middle East and Ukraine.

Best,
Liz

Liz Schrayer, USGLC