“Strange Bedfellows” Coalition Salutes Secretary Gates for His Leadership on the U.S. International Affairs Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 15, 2008 Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates was honored by the members of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) for his exemplary leadership in support of a robust U.S. International Affairs Budget at its 2008 Tribute Dinner at 7:00 p.m., at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 1150 22nd Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Members of Congress and senior Administration officials, joined a sold-out audience of 700 corporate and NGO leaders to pay tribute to Secretary Gates for his outspoken support for rebuilding and modernizing America’s international civilian capacity as critical to advancing our national security, economic prosperity and moral and humanitarian values abroad.

“We are pleased to pay tribute to Secretary Gates for his leadership for ensuring the United States has the civilian tools it needs to meet the global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” stated Nancy Lindborg, Co-President of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign. “For a little more than a penny of every dollar spent by the U.S. Government, international affairs programs play a critical role in achieving America’s national security and foreign policy goals.”

“Defense Secretary Gates’ support for the International Affairs Budget is remarkable,” said Bill Lane, Co-President of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign. “He is a game-changer as the first Secretary of Defense to actively and publicly support more resources for another cabinet-level department.”

Since becoming our nation’s 22nd Secretary of Defense, Secretary Gates has actively made the case for increased funding for America’s international affairs programs. From his speeches in support of the International Affairs Budget to congressional testimony and meetings with lawmakers, Secretary Gates has helped to change the way Congress and the American people view the importance of our civilian programs to U.S. national security. As Secretary Gates stated before the House Armed Services Committee on February 6, 2008, “My hope is that one consequence of my speaking out on this issue will create a more favorable climate here on the [H]ill for approval of this increase in the capabilities of the Department of State [and] with the [U.S.] Agency for International Development.”

Co-chairing the dinner on behalf of the USGLC’s “strange bedfellow” coalition are Charles MacCormack, President and CEO of Save the Children and Karen Tandy, Senior Vice President for Global Government Affairs and Public Policy at Motorola, Inc.

“Secretary Gates understands that it is critical that our nation invest in the International Affairs Budget, which serves as America’s front line of defense by building global stability, saving the lives of millions of people and restoring America’s capacity to engage the world,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein, senior Appropriator and USGLC champion. “The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign works hard to ensure that America has the resources it needs to address these challenges, and deserves recognition for taking the lead on this important issue.”

“Defense Secretary Gates’ speaks with experience as to how to keep our nation secure in these uncertain times. His support for the International Affairs Budget has not gone unnoticed as America grapples with the challenges of the global economy, international terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” said Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

About the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign

The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) is a broad-based, nationwide coalition of businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community leaders that advocates for a strong U.S. International Affairs Budget. Members of the USGLC – a vibrant, influential network of 400 organizations and thousands of individuals – engage policymakers in the nation’s capital and educate the public around the country to build support for these essential programs.

The International Affairs Budget provides America with the fundamental tools to meet the global challenges of the 21st century and is critical to protecting our national security, building economic prosperity and strengthening humanitarian values. Currently, the proposed FY 2009 International Affairs Budget totals $39.8 billion dollars and provides the United States with invaluable opportunities to generate much needed allies, partners and friends. For additional information, visit www.usglc.org.

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