Washington, DC —The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) released the following statement from Executive Director Liz Schrayer on the final FY 2011 International Affairs Budget agreement:

“The USGLC recognizes, like all Americans, it’s critical to deal with the budget deficit and all programs need to tighten their belts.  With that said, we are concerned about the reductions to the International Affairs Budget in the FY 2011 agreement, which are more than 11% below last year’s levels and will have an impact on our national security.  We appreciate the work of many champions on Capitol Hill who rejected more dangerous and significant cuts, heeding the call of military leaders from General Petraeus to Joint Chiefs Chair Admiral Mike Mullen for increased civilian operations.

“As Congress begins deliberations on the FY 2012 Budget, we urge continued bipartisan support to avoid deep and disproportionate cuts to the International Affairs Budget.  Further reductions will not only diminish our national security priorities, but also our competitiveness in the global economy.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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