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With Christmas just days away, Congress finally passed a spending bill to fund the government through most of next year. Overall, it's good news for international programs, but there's one serious concern.

* The good news is that the spending bill responds to the growing crises around the globe with a 7 percent overall increase for development and diplomacy programs.
* However, this happened only because Congress increased a separate wartime account to address emergency needs such as those related to ISIS, the Syrian civil war, and other global crises.
* While we're pleased with the overall increase, it was essentially a shortcut. Critical core programs were dramatically cut by more than 5 percent, which will have long-term and
concerning implications for America's global leadership. We'll need to address this in the coming years.

www.usglc.org/2015/12/18/international-affairs-budget-update-121815/

In addition to our budget work, let me share a few other items:

* I ended the year traveling to the early primary states as part of our Impact 2016 initiative - first hosting a forum in Iowa featuring Senator Joni Ernst and then in New Hampshire with high-level surrogates from GOP campaigns Bush, Carson, Christie, Cruz, Fiorina, Kasich, and Rubio. I was very pleased to see such strong support on the campaign trail:
* Check out the two-minute highlight video from our Iowa event; www.usglc.org/2015/11/30/iowa-forum-on-americas-global-leadership-whats-at-stake-in-2016/

* Read this NH op-ed co-authored by two political rivals, the state Democratic and Republican party leaders. http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=rg8m88Lib0tYN3--a6Q33g

* I had the privilege last week to lead our last Africa trip of the year, this time to Rwanda and Tanzania with influential political advisors.
* We saw first-hand how America's investments are making a world of difference, including our inspiring visit to William Morrell's corner store - where an innovative public-private partnership is helping bring sustainable electricity to the continent. Check out my recap here. http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=PUoMl3mioWFEkeIvKPO4rg

Whether it's on Capitol Hill, on the campaign trail, or overseas, the USGLC's reach and commitment to making the world a better, safer place could not happen without your voice and support. My colleagues and I are so very grateful.

We wish you and your family a happy holiday season and wonderful New Year.

Happy Holidays,

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC


U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
1129 20th Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036
http://action.usglc.org/site/CO?i=MbRbXFpuA7m_P8t7zCiBBag2tc7GLtTk&cid=0
http://action.usglc.org/site/R?i=9h8QxnbEDb5Qbhrr7lqBJw