Subject: Tidbits from Budget Day
From: "Liz.Schrayer" <[email-masked]>
To: "Liz.Schrayer" <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2017 00:04:03 +0000

Dear Board of Directors,

A long day. A disheartening day. Yet an inspiring day. We have a call tomorrow at 4:00pm and I look forward to sharing more details about all of the above and more. Information for the Board Call below and if you can’t join us, I will as always send my email notes.

USGLC Board Strategy Call
Friday March 17 @ 4:00 PM EST
Dial-In: (866) 576-7975
Access code: 398525#

A few highlights of today’s activities:
§  Here is our USGLC Statement<http://www.usglc.org/2017/03/16/usglc-statement-on-the-administrations-budget-request/>. Following board guidance, with a 31% cut to the International Affairs Budget, the Administration crossed the line, so our statement was strong.
§  After the success of the military letter, we thought a faith letter could be helpful on the Hill. With a huge shout out to Bob Zachritz and team who took the lead, we worked with World Vision, CRS and other friends to launch a faith letter<https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/media-center/100-christian-leaders-tell-congressional-leadership-protect-foreign-assistance> signed by over 100 conservative faith leaders. Signers included many prominent names - Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Rev. Samuel Rodriquez, who spoke at President Trump’s inauguration. The press in conservative media has been great and members of Congress have taken notice.
§  We released our analysis to 20,000 people this afternoon – including to Capitol Hill – with all the budget details. You can find it here<http://www.usglc.org/downloads/2017/03/USGLC-FY18-Budget-Analysis.pdf>, including our top takeaways.
§  Lots of press today – not only me, but we provided talking points to dozens of high-level friends that are appearing today, tomorrow and through the weekend on MSNBC, CNN, Fox, NPR, and other networks. Don’t be surprised when you hear our message break through.

The cuts are deep and concerning, though improved from two weeks ago:
§  Eliminates OPIC, USTDA, USIP, McGovern-Dole, and the Emergency Refugee account.
§  Treasury’s International Affairs Program are cut by 35%, including cuts to the World Bank.
§  Seemingly maintains global health commitments around HIV/AIDS, malaria, and vaccines but leaves the door open to major cuts and restructuring of development assistance (think Power Africa, food security, and education).
§  Foreshadows the major restructuring we have all been worried about. Tillerson is in charge, but where and how the cuts and restructuring happens are unknown.

Here is the inspiring part: Our friends on Capitol Hill are speaking out, and our work is paying off. The bipartisan statements and tweets opposing these budget cuts are powerful, strong, and plentiful. My only disappointment so far is Senator Bob Corker’s statement, which was weak. Here is a sampling of the good stuff:
§  Rep. Hal Rogers: “I’m absolutely shocked at the Administration’s puny request”
§  Rep. Ed Royce: “I am very concerned that deep cuts to our diplomacy will hurt efforts to combat terrorism, distribute critical humanitarian aid, and promote opportunities for American workers”
§  Senator Ben Cardin: “…President Trump appears determined to gut U.S. national security by slashing the State Department and USAID”
§  Senator Marco Rubio: “These programs are integral to our national security, and cuts at these levels undermine America’s ability to keep our citizens safe”
§  Rep. Adam Kinzinger: “The folks at the State Department are…the unsung heroes of foreign policy”

But by far my favorite today was House Freedom Caucus Member, Rep. Ted Yoho. It’s a little longer, but it’s awesome – read his quote down below.

Next week is our national mobilization week where we will engage thousands of veterans and millions of citizens plus have our military leaders up on Capitol Hill. We have some significant op-eds in the hopper too. Watch for an email from Jason early next week on specific ways you can help during the national mobilization. Many thanks and talk tomorrow.

Best,

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC

Rep. Ted Yoho at an Appropriations hearing for members:

“I’m a guy that came up here to get rid of foreign aid. I ran on that, we were going to get rid of it. But in my 4 years here I’ve become much more learn-ed…

At a time when American leadership is needed more than ever, we must continue to invest in the International Affairs Budget. As such, I ask that you support a strong 302(b) allocation in FY18 that is close the levels approved in the FY17 continuing resolution.

This will allow for necessary reforms in our international aid programs while not sacrificing our international security or economy for splashy headlines that say we are cutting American foreign aid— which will ultimately do nothing to address our current debt crisis… creating yet another vacuum by the lack of American leadership which will be filled by most likely a foe to our country and our ideals.”