Subject: THE GLOBAL GAB: Platforms, Conventions, VPs - Will foreign policy matter?
From: "Liz Schrayer, USGLC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Hunter Biden" <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 08 Jul 2016 13:54:59 -0500

Hunter,

As our hearts break at the events unfolding in Dallas, I did want to share a brief update on our issues. A ton happening in the world of politics and foreign policy - all in our latest edition of THE GLOBAL GAB.

Given the volatility of this election cycle, write me back what you're seeing and hearing about the views of candidates and voters on America's role in the world.

Best,

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC

THE GLOBAL GAB: Platforms, Conventions, VPs - Will foreign policy matter?
July 8, 2016

IT'S PLATFORM TIME. This weekend the Democratic Platform Committee will finalize their party's 2016 blueprint and the foreign policy plank doubles down on its long-standing commitment to America's global leadership. It includes a full-hearted endorsement of development assistance as an "essential instrument of American power." The platform gives a shout-out to the importance of the "one percent of the federal budget" for development and diplomacy - and highlights global health, extreme poverty, child mortality, women and girls, and fighting hunger and pandemics.  Hats off to the Democrats for getting the ball rolling on our issues and we look forward to reporting the results of the GOP Platform Committee - deliberations start this Monday in Cleveland. Here's our statement on the Democratic Platform draft.

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=zf2Z_JNI63UOMhYWqngB0g

2 WINS IN 2 DAYS. When it seems like nothing is getting done on Capitol Hill, Republicans and Democrats passed not one, but two more bills on foreign assistance programs this week. The passage of the Global Food Security Act and the Foreign Aid Transparency and
Accountability Act make it five bipartisan bills on these issues passed in this Congress. This is smart aid at its best - on food, energy, water, women and girls, and aid effectiveness. Impressive leadership from loads of Senators and Representatives.

FOOD DIPLOMACY. Just ahead of the global food security vote, unusual allies - USGLC leaders Land O'Lakes CEO Chris Policinski and General Chuck Wald - penned an op-ed to remind legislators that development is a lot cheaper than sending in soldiers, as former
Secretary of Defense Gates once said.  They write, "Nearly 800 million people across the globe go to bed hungry every night, but America has the tools and the know-how to change this."

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=j8BjUsXKpVQbfqTPdlHdlA

BUDGET BATTLES. The House finally acted on their version of the FY17 spending bill for State-Foreign Operations, approving $100 million less than the Senate for critical overseas programs. Definitely not keeping pace with the global challenges, but given this year's dynamics, not bad. Don't expect the bill to move forward - but instead to get wrapped up into a Continuing Resolution. Lots of chatter that Republicans may want to extend current funding levels all the way through March.

TOP QUOTE. "I'm actually an advocate for spending more on foreign aid - I think we can avoid wars that way," said Senator David Perdue (R-GA) at a Foreign Relations Committee hearing just last week, where he chairs the State and USAID subcommittee.

VEEPSTAKES. Vegas odds makers are placing their bets on both parties' VP picks  and we're watching what speculative candidates are saying on foreign policy. Interestingly, after meeting with the presumptive GOP nominee on July 4th, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst - who has since said she will remain in the Senate - told the press: "I will continue to share my insights with Donald about the need to... keep our nation safe and ensure America is
always a strong, stabilizing force around the globe."

TRADE WARS. In the midst of this tumultuous campaign season, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue challenged both presidential candidates in a recent Washington Post op-ed saying, "For both parties, turning away from trade is not just a threat to our economy and millions of Americans' livelihoods. It's a threat to our national security as well... If we fail to lead, we will cede influence to others."

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=AOk1G1ZbaBH9t790dlDvOA

CLEVELAND ROCKS. The USGLC is headed to Cleveland next weekend for back-to-back foreign policy events on America's role in the world and what's at stake for the next president. Headliners include Senators Tom Cotton (AR) and David Perdue (GA) - and a
former Marine Corps Commandant. The following week, we'll be in Philly with Secretary Madeleine Albright and Cokie Roberts.

WHAT TO WATCH. The White House has just announced that President Obama will host a Summit on Global Development on July 20 highlighting his legacy on these issues - expect a focus on his signature programs, Feed the Future and Power Africa.

http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=WCPi8fX57d5I1mZKlvm0lA

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