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Dear Board of Directors,

Two weeks after the election and I am still trying to process what it all means for us in the year ahead. While juggling our transition team outreach and the upcoming Tribute Dinner, we had two back-to-back state events that were pretty remarkable.

Here's a brief update for your eyes only.

1. UTAH SUPRISE. Last Friday, we were in Utah with Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Senator Orrin Hatch to build on our growing state activity led by former Governor Jon Huntsman and former Rep. Jim Matheson - now USGLC Board member through NRECA. A few highlights:

* One of the key moments was our private meeting with Rep. Jason Chaffetz, Chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Needless to say, Chaffetz has been a skeptic on USAID despite his positive trip to Tanzania with Dan Glickman and the Aspen Institute. Thanks to Bill Lane and former Marine Corps Commandant, General James Conway, who joined me to make the case.
* Chaffetz was not only impressed with the substance of our arguments on the modernization of aid, but was taken by the political force of the Utah event. He was particularly interested that we host these events across the country providing, as he said, "cover to members of Congress to engage in foreign policy."
* Senator Hatch arrived to a room buzzing about Utah's favorite son, Mitt Romney, who was heading to meet the President-elect to discuss America's top diplomatic post. I didn't realize how deeply involved the Senator was in these discussions until his cell phone rang - it was Rudy Giuliani to discuss the same appointment.
* While I was desperate to move the Senator from the VIP room to the main event -where 350 people were anxiously awaiting his keynote - I was very glad I had the chance to follow up on that phone call to urge the Senator to weigh-in with the President-elect on this vital appointment.
* The first thing Senator Hatch said when we sat down was "This is a very impressive event. I should do more to help you all!" I didn't miss a beat and jumped in with several specifics around the transition team.
* We had great TV coverage<http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=53b361d2-16d3-4d8d-8824-06b2b48644b0> and while Hatch's primary focus was on trade, he gave a full endorsement of the International Affairs Budget: "With growing global challenges, our nation's development and diplomacy programs are more vital to our national security and economy than ever before."

2. HOTLANTA WITH HHS SEC OR BUDGET CHAIR? Just forty-eight hours later, we were in Atlanta with House Budget Chairman Tom Price for our last state event of the year. Whether Price remains in his current chair or gets tapped as the next HHS Secretary, as it has been rumored, we witnessed another policymaker adding their voice to our cause - a home run. Here's the top highlights:

* The origin of this event is so important. Several of you joined a recent meeting with me when the Chairman discussed enormous voter anxiety in his district around international issues. He never voted with us, nor had given us the time of day, but something changed this time and he wanted a "safe place" to engage on these issues.
* He opened his talk to more than 350 influential Georgians, including CDC head Tom Frieden, by saying "America's leadership role in the world has never been questioned inside our country - until now."
* While recognizing the anxiety, he strongly embraced our mission for the first time stating, "By strengthening U.S. development and diplomacy, alongside defense, we expand the global marketplace for Georgia businesses, create opportunity, and keep our citizens safe here at home."
* The real win was watching his voice emerge on stage as he listened, learned, and engaged on our issue with the brilliant support of his fellow panelists - USGLC board members Matt Echols from Coca-Cola and Michelle Nunn from CARE. Read the story in Global Atlanta<http://www.globalatlanta.com/rep-price-u-s-must-lead-narrower-trade-deals-likely/>.

3. TRANSITION WATCH. The transition leadership shakeup with the Christie camp being pushed out has meant that we've had to scramble to engage a new set of players. But my resilient and skilled colleagues have been successful. There are some concerning picks on our issues - like Mike Flynn, though I did spend an hour with him at our USGLC-IRI event at the GOP Convention. But we see potential with a few key picks. As nominees get announced, we will put out profiles and statements on our website. Check back here<http://impact2016.org/global-plum-book>. Here is a quick update:

* Mike Pompeo at CIA - A national security hawk, Pompeo has participated in several USGLC events including serving as Rubio's surrogate during our South Carolina Impact 2016 event and a recent salon dinner. His voting record has steadily improved with a growing interest in global food security.
* Nikki Haley at UN - While her foreign policy experience is largely around trade and securing foreign economic investment in South Carolina, the well-respected Governor is very close to many USGLC friends on our state Advisory Committee along with Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and SC GOP Chairman Matt Moore who joined us on our Africa trip.
* Possible Secretary of State, Mitt Romney - As the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, the Governor projected a strong position on America's engagement in the world, including the importance of global development, diplomacy and foreign assistance. He is committed to modernizing foreign assistance and ensuring its effectiveness. During the campaign, USGLC had close relationships with many of his top policy and political aides.
* Possible Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis - A passionate supporter of our cause, the former CentCom Commander has been a leading voice on the value of strategic investments in diplomacy and development and has been an active member of USGLC's National Security Advisory Council, traveling around the country as one of our top military speakers.
* Sub-Cabinet - We are working to identify people who weren't on the "Never Trump" list but are capable and willing to take on key positions relevant to the USGLC agenda (see Global Plum Book<http://impact2016.org/global-plum-book>). If you have ideas reach out to Jason Gross (jgross@usglc.org<mailto:jgross@usglc.org>).
* Transition Team - Some new players are landing at the transition operation, including friend Trey Hicks from Senator Corker's office who will be helping with USAID. We are hoping that several of the key players will be at the December 8th Tribute Dinner.
* Freshman Orientation - The incoming class of freshman lawmakers is headed to Harvard for the biannual policy orientation in early December. Lucky for us many of our friends will be part of the national security/foreign policy and budget conversations and we have already provided talking point.

4. LAME DUCK UPDATE. Members will be back next week to finish out the year and deal with the must-pass FY17 spending bill before the December 9 CR runs out - expect another short-term CR to fund the government through the beginning of the year.

Another priority for us will be the Administration's "budget amendment" calling for an additional $12 billion to respond to ISIS - $6 billion of which is for International Affairs programs. Members are still discussing how and when to approve that spending package, but there is a clear consensus that more money is needed. USGLC has urged support for the package.

I look forward to seeing you all at our December 8th Tribute Dinner - given the volatile political environment around our issues, all hands on deck! We are expecting members of the incoming Administration's team so please be in touch with Melissa (mlieberman@usglc.org) if you haven't confirmed your tables.

For now, wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC