Press handout photos here: https://bit.ly/2q9YVsn
Watch the full event here: https://bit.ly/2Hcg110

APPLETON – Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) told more than 100 Appleton business, veteran, and community leaders today that “we cannot afford to close ourselves off from the world” when America’s security and Wisconsin’s economy are on the line.

“One of my top priorities will always be keeping our country secure and my fellow Wisconsinites safe,” said Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI). “And I’ve seen firsthand that doing so takes all of our national security tools – it takes resources for our American diplomats forging alliances just as much as it takes development professionals stabilizing dangerous regions. There’s no question that we’re all safer when America leads both on and off the battlefield.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted today’s foreign policy forum on the heels of the Administration’s latest budget proposal, which calls for a severe 30% cut to the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Our country faces a growing number of security challenges around the world – from the convergence of terrorism and famines to the threat posed by a nuclear North Korea,” said Lt. General William Troy, USA (Ret.). “When it comes to addressing global crises and tackling threats, we cannot ask our service members to go it alone. Keeping America safe requires well-equipped civilian partners at the State Department and USAID working alongside the military to help stabilize volatile regions and win the peace.”

More than 800,000 Wisconsin jobs are tied to international trade, and Wisconsin exported over $22 billion in goods to foreign markets in 2015.

“Those of us in the private sector have long understood the value of building new markets for American goods,” said John Ellenberger, Senior Vice President of Land O’Lakes. “That’s why Land O’Lakes, Inc. believes in and supports the work of Land O’Lakes International Development. This nonprofit is partnering with the U.S. government to increase food security in developing countries across the world. In the short-term, this work changes lives for the better, and in the long run, it helps these countries become new trading partners for the United States.”

A strong and growing coalition in Wisconsin for more than four years, the USGLC’s Wisconsin Advisory Committee brings together more than 70 business, faith, non-profit, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Wisconsin.

“It’s no surprise that Congressman Gallagher is a rising star in Wisconsin and in Washington. He’s thoughtful and impactful and his constituents clearly appreciate his maverick streak. And what I saw once again, is that this former marine gets why America must not only lead globally, but also invest in the power of diplomacy and development – because it matters to America’s interests right here in Appleton,” said Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the USGLC.

Also participating in today’s forum was Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna and Dr. Susan May, President of Fox Valley Technical College.

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