Press handout photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskTxehPd
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/1bqV6qJeAYc

LEHI – Congressman John Curtis (R-UT) told more than 100 Lehi business, veteran, and community leaders today that for Utah to succeed, America must invest in its role as a global leader—and that starts with American diplomacy and development programs.

“When America engages around the world, we all stand to benefit,” said Congressman John Curtis (R-UT). “As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am committed to supporting the vital U.S. government programs that protect our nation’s interests abroad. Our global ties help to open new markets for U.S. businesses and create jobs for Americans, while U.S. diplomats and development workers overseas are preventing conflicts and wiping out diseases before they reach our borders.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted today’s foreign policy forum in the wake of the Administration’s latest budget proposal released last month, which called for a 24% cut to the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Over 352,000 jobs in Utah are tied to international trade, and Utah’s exports to foreign markets total more than $11.6 billion a year–meaning U.S. international engagement isn’t just a matter of national security, it’s a strategic economic issue for the Beehive State.

“American businesses lead in every sector of the global economy, and that includes businesses right here in Utah,” said Derek Miller, President & CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. “That is why it’s so important that our nation’s diplomats and development workers have the resources they need to create markets, promote American values, and connect our businesses to new opportunities across the globe. If America wants to remain a leader in the world’s markets and boardrooms, we need to make sure our civilian corps of professionals overseas receives needed funding.”

A strong and growing coalition in the state, the USGLC’s Utah Advisory Committee brings together nearly 70 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Utah.

“Supporting our nation’s diplomats and development workers provides us with a three-fold return on investment: our country is safer, our economy is stronger, and countless lives are improved worldwide,” said Carey Campbell, National Outreach Director for the USGLC. “As a former businessman, Congressman Curtis understands that we need to be smart with our money–and robust funding for our State Department and USAID is a smart investment.”

Also participating in today’s forum was Vice Admiral Dick Gallagher, U.S. Navy (ret); Terry Grant, President of KeyBank Utah Market; Mircea Divricean, President and CEO of Kostopulos Dream Foundation; and Miles Hansen, President & CEO of World Trade Center Utah.