McCaul: American Diplomacy, Foreign Assistance Crucial to Texas’ Economy, U.S. National Security

I, the Lead Republican of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Chairman Emeritus on the House Homeland Security Committee, joined more than 140 Austin business, veteran, and community leaders recently for a conversation on America’s global leadership and the benefits it produces for Texas.

American global engagement is crucial for U.S. national security and economic growth. Not only does it reduce violence worldwide and improve global stability, it helps to open new doors for American businesses overseas and creates jobs here in Texas. As the Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I understand the key to these gains are our diplomacy and development programs around the world, and I will continue to prioritize funding for these vital programs to the service of our nation.

Barbara Stephenson, President of the American Foreign Service Association: “The new national security strategy makes clear that in addition to this long standing, ongoing set of transnational threats: Ebola, famine, migration, drug trafficking, we have a new threat set which is rising power from rising competition from other great powers. In order to compete we have to actually up our game and it’s absolutely true… We cannot afford to cede whole swaths of continents to a competing power. Presence is influence. You cannot lead if you are not there.”

Bill Lane, Executive Director of Trade for America: “As the top exporting state in the country, Texas depends on America remaining competitive in the global economy. When we invest in emerging markets overseas, especially in Africa, the entire country stands to benefit, and Texas above all. And with access to new markets, we not only increase our exports and create jobs here at home— we lift up economies and communities around the world.”

Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition: “Texans are fortunate to have such a champion for America’s global leadership in Congressman McCaul – when he speaks everyone listens. In just a few short months in leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he is clearly making a mark for Texas and advancing America’s security and economic interests around the world.”

About the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition 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. The USGLC’s Texas Advisory Committee brings together nearly 170 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Texas

Also participating in the forum was Beth Cubriel, Director of Michael Best Strategies; Todd Speer, Co-Founder, Global Aid Consultants; and Jeff Moseley, CEO, Texas Association of Business.

You can find photos from the event, here.