Press handout photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLwXDJU

KENNETT SQUARE– Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) joined with more than 125 business, veteran, and community leaders today to discuss the importance of American diplomacy and development programs to Pennsylvania’s economy and national security.

“Our country is at its strongest when we work together,” said Rep. Houlahan. “I saw this during my time in the Air Force and now, as a Member of Congress representing the great people of Pennsylvania. As a member of both the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, I am acutely aware of the need to support investments in America’s diplomatic and foreign assistance programs. Our military should be used as a last line of defense. We must work on a bipartisan basis to invest in diplomacy and elevate American leadership across the globe. Civilian programs are vital to keeping our country safe and building a more stable and prosperous world for all.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted today’s foreign policy conversation at a time when policy makers are considering next year’s federal budget, including resources for the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“While in the Navy, I had the honor of working with some of America’s best to protect our country in places near and far,” said Vice Admiral Lewis Crenshaw, U.S. Navy (ret.). “From our men and women in uniform to our diplomats and development personnel — when we rely on the strength of both our military and civilian forces, our country is safer, stronger, and ready to confront the ever-changing national security threats of our time.

With almost 1.4 million jobs in Pennsylvania are tied to international trade, and Pennsylvania’s exports to foreign markets total more than $38.6 billion a year—meaning U.S. international engagement isn’t just a matter of national security, it’s also a strategic economic issue for Pennsylvania.

“The United States’ global leadership supports our national security and enables essential investments for American farmers and businesses,” said Jock Scharfen, Vice President of Global Government Relations, Cargill. “That’s why it is so important to have this conversation here in Pennsylvania – a state that exports billions of dollars of high-quality agricultural products every year. Farmers from the Keystone State are feeding the world, and Cargill is proud to help get that food onto the plates of people around the globe.”

A strong and growing coalition in the state, the USGLC’s Pennsylvania Advisory Committee brings together more than 180 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Pennsylvania.

“As a veteran and entrepreneur, Representative Houlahan is not only a powerful and persuasive spokesperson for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Liz Schrayer, USGLC President and CEO. “In Washington, just like in our discussion today, she is bringing real credibility to why leading globally matters locally— explaining how our diplomacy and development programs matter to our economic and national security.”

Also participating in today’s forum was the Honorable Mark Schweiker; the Honorable Patrick Murphy; Kim Andrews, Executive Director, Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia; and Guy Ciarrocchi, CEO, Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.