Miami— U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart and General Richard E. Hawley joined the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) along with more than 100 Florida leaders to discuss how America’s leadership abroad bolsters our own national security and spurs economic growth in Florida.

“In an increasingly complex world, America must lead on the global stage. By providing the right tools and resources to our allies across the world, we are promoting democracy and diplomacy, while also protecting U.S. national security interests,” said Representative Diaz-Balart.

“Investing in our International Affairs Budget is not only the right thing to, it’s the smart thing to do for our national security,” said General Richard E. Hawley, U.S. Air Force (Ret). “By leveraging the power of diplomacy and development alongside the unmatched strength of our military, we can prevent and resolve crises before they become full-blown national security threats.”

In addition to helping keep our country safe and secure, American leadership overseas strengthens our economy at home. With 2.5 million Florida jobs tied to international trade and exports of Florida goods totaling more than $50 billion a year, continued engagement beyond our borders is critical for Florida’s economic prosperity.

“It’s almost impossible to imagine the U.S. not leading globally,” said Eric Reading, Executive Vice President at Chemonics. “A global economy, global cooperation wouldn’t exist in the same way. We wouldn’t have been able to tackle huge global problems like AIDS. We just wouldn’t have had any nation that was influential enough to take a leadership role in that effort. It’s absolutely vital that we have a strong and stable world, and the U.S. has the greatest interest in that world stability.”

“Our nation’s civilian programs are vital to our national security, boost our economy and create jobs for Floridians,” said USGLC Executive Director Jason Gross. “Congressman Diaz-Balart recognizes that through smart and strategic investments in our country’s International Affairs Budget— which accounts for just one percent of federal spending —we can build a better, safer and more prosperous world.”

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The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.