WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 12th, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition hosted a recognition event for those who have contributed greatly to America’s role in the fight against global poverty. Approximately 1000 business leaders, politicians, and representatives working in international development were in attendance, including Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and former Republican presidential candidate John McCain – showing bipartisanship support for foreign aid.
Vice President Biden received recognition from the USGLC for his longstanding commitment to America’s global role, notably as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and now as the nation’s Vice President.
“The world can be a messy and difficult place. But what we do beyond our borders matters more here at home than it ever has,” said Vice President Biden. “At just over 1% of our federal budget, American investment in diplomacy and development is one of the best bargains the American taxpayer gets.”
Discussing the national security importance of the International Affairs Budget, the Vice President went on to say, “Our success against terrorism, extremism and pandemic disease depends upon development where it matters most. Without it, extremism grows, terrorism becomes a viable option, and pandemic disease increases the prospect of it flourishing.”
Republican Senator McCain praised Democratic Vice President Biden for his long-time support of foreign aid, saying, “[Biden] deserves our gratitude and respect for his many years of effective leadership in ensuring that all the resources America has to influence the course of world events are funded adequately and used effectively.”
Senator McCain went on to add, “Our military cannot address every one of the deep-rooted causes of violence and instability in the world. Diplomacy and global development are indispensable to our success. Don’t take my word for it. Ask anyone in the military in command or in the ranks. They’ll tell you how critically important foreign assistance is to preventing wars and winning the peace.”
The event was co-chaired by longtime USGLC members Lockheed Martin Corporation and Sesame Workshop. The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs, national security and foreign policy experts, 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.
– Maria Caluag
Sources/Photo: USGLC, USA Today
Photo: Huffington Post