WASHINGTON – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s President and CEO Liz Schrayer released the following statement on the announcement of a Congressional budget deal:

The USGLC applauds Congressional leaders for reaching a landmark budget deal that significantly raises the cap on non-defense discretionary spending. This bipartisan deal is essential to ensure America’s development and diplomacy programs have the necessary resources to advance America’s interest in the world.

As Congress turns to finalize its decisions on spending, it is imperative that the Appropriations Committees fully fund the International Affairs Budget at no less than current levels in order to help keep our nation safe.

Given the range of global threats from four famines to North Korea to unrest in the Middle East, we cannot afford to retreat from the world or shortchange our civilian national security tools.