Subject: The Olympics, Veterans, and Syria
From: "Liz Schrayer, USGLC" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 09:20:27 -0600 (CST)

U.S. Global Leadership Coalition

Dear Hunter,

Olympics
With the Olympics underway in Sochi, I am certainly reminded about the global challenges we face and was proud to learn about the important role the State Department plays in helping ensure the safety of our athletes. As we're all watching the games, I want to share five quick items from the past weeks:

1.   National Prayer Breakfast Featured Call to Eradicate Poverty - I was really proud to see my friend, USAID Administrator Raj Shah, deliver the keynote at the Breakfast last Thursday on how we are on a transformative
path to eradicate extreme poverty. Worth watching his brief talk.
http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=gP9-cblRTlPd_ARmW-2j3Q

2. Capitol Hill Veterans on a Mission - In a powerful bipartisan statement, Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) are asking their military veteran colleagues to sign a letter to congressional leaders in support of the International Affairs Budget. These military heroes
understand the meaning of smart power, and I encourage you to send a quick email of support to your member of Congress if he/she is a veteran.

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=T3qzHUjpPs7dpqTuP5RxOA

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=0Q4F-jywP8B8SeJV17PFpw

3. Latest Public Opinion Poll - A recent Pew poll raised some concerns as it highlighted that for the first time in four decades, a majority of Americans believe we should "mind our own business" internationally. Fortunately, the same poll found an overwhelming 72% say we must stay engaged in the
global economy. This paradox is not surprising given the weariness from two wars coupled with the struggling economy. Foreign policy thinker Max Boot
pushed back on the poll saying why isolationism is not in our interests.

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=k6GTZ5XSfNPetKs0Y1KgoA

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=P9Ns1zgIYsL1V7nc6uuopg

4. Humanitarian Response in Syria - It is heartbreaking to watch the humanitarian crisis continue with more than 2.4 million refugees fleeing Syria into neighboring countries during this very harsh winter. The U.S. is now sending about $2 billion in aid, and many USGLC members are on the ground joining together to provide life-saving support. I was touched by this video of Save the Children and TOMS Shoes partnering to distribute
winter boots to children in refugee camps.

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=Q4mS5ql2ePOoAZRcC7dcGg

5. Innovations in Virginia - I was in Richmond two weeks ago with Senator Tim Kaine, General James Mattis, and former World Bank President Bob Zoellick for a fascinating conversation about the impact of our foreign assistance programs. While there, I met Chip Ransler, a smart power
innovator whose company, Husk Power Systems, is providing electricity to villages in India using discarded rice husks, an innovative idea financed in large part by OPIC.

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=d-cIKBA0-8Uhc0s_R2d4ww

I will be in New Hampshire next week for Governor Tom Ridge's conversation at the famous Politics & Eggs, and then back to DC in time for the President's budget announcement on March 4. I've heard the White House is making some tough choices where our issues are concerned so expect to hear from us with our analysis. Until then, enjoy the Olympic fun.

Liz Schrayer
Executive Director

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=9n-cUkAcvpBgj0lg_x8Mpw

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