Dear Friend –

I’ve been on the road a ton – both here in the U.S. and around the world – and I wanted to share a few quick updates on the latest from Capitol Hill and the impact for America on the global stage.

As I am sure you saw, Congress passed the national security emergency funding package last month and, admittedly, this is a really big deal.

This victory is truly significant for the USGLC, our country, and for the world – critical for protecting U.S. national security interests and addressing humanitarian concerns. Here’s the backstory:

• First and foremost is, of course, the reality that our adversaries and competitors – Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China – are playing to win. They are not slowing down, creating chaos and global instability.
  
  
• This package provides $26.8 billion in civilian resources to rush much-needed economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific along with resources for global crises and hotspots.
  
  
• While the final lift by Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the packages to the House floor was critical, the importance of countless champions and leaders – from both parties, both chambers of Congress, and both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue – cannot be understated. There are literally too many to list who helped push this package across the finish line with overwhelming bipartisan votes.
  
  
• And when it comes to the long-term global development agenda, the significance of these emergency resources cannot be underestimated – without which, resources for core global health, food security, water, women and girls, and other ongoing and critical programs for U.S. interests would be under even greater pressure.

USGLC could not be prouder to have played a pivotal role as an advocate, educator, convener, and all-around champion for the package and what it means for protecting the security and economic interests of American families.

• I am very grateful to our national and state-based leadership for their tireless advocacy, our partners and the vast number of mayors, veterans, farmers, business, faith, and community leaders who raised their voices over the past year.
  
  
• It was not lost on me the powerful impact that the local Town Hall meetings that USGLC hosted in districts across the country made, providing platforms for Members of Congress to hear directly from constituents about why these international resources matter locally.
  
  
• I saw first-hand the difference made when our trusted military and national leaders who wrote op-eds and appeared in local and national press – reinforcing why this package advanced our security and economic interests. We witnessed Members of Congress literally change their vote from “nay” to “yay”.

The national security package was front and center at USGLC’s recent Mid-Atlantic Summit with all-star champion, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware.

• The gathering of hundreds of leaders was a demonstration of the best of the USGLC coalition, who have been speaking out, reaching out to policymakers, and making the case for why America has to be engaged in the world to stop threats from before they reach our shores.
  
  
• Take a look at the quick video recap here.
  

I was thrilled to have a chance to thank Senator Coons for his extraordinary leadership in helping secure $9 billion in critically needed humanitarian assistance. Truthfully, in the midst of the enormous global challenges, it was an inspiring day in Delaware with former World Food Program Director David Beasley, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Mary Maker, and so many more.

• Speakers continued to reinforce that American global leadership directly impacts the economic interests of American families here at home – the same message I heard when USGLC recently hosted Senator John Thune, the #2 Republican in the Senate, in his home state of South Dakota.   

The bottom line: The passage of these national security bills ­– including the critical economic and humanitarian assistance ­– was an important win for America and our allies.

There’s no question we have our work cut out for us to ensure policymakers continue to meet the moment when it comes to America’s role in the world, but it’s good to see policymakers join together, and we can be proud to do our part.

Thank you for being part of this success.

Have a great weekend.

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC