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Dear Board of Directors,

Against the backdrop of the Syria air strike, the nuclear option in the Senate, and the start of the April recess, I want to update you on a few items directly on our agenda. Unfortunately, none of it is great news. PLEASE: KEEP THIS CONFIDENTIAL.

Over the past two weeks, I have come to realize that the budget cuts may not be our only problem – and in fact, may be #2 on our hit parade. Here is why:


§ While Secretary Tillerson may not be playing a leadership role on the world stage yet, he clearly sees himself as the CEO to fix what he calls a “bloated” State Department that can’t “effectively spend all the money they have.”


§ Tillerson has told some Members of Congress that even if they appropriate more than the Administration’s request, he won’t spend it. I believe he is committed to the 30% cuts regardless of the Hill’s decision.


§ USAID has reportedly been asked to identify at least 30 missions to close and others to be significantly stripped of programming. This would likely impact Latin America, Africa, and Asia heavily.


§ We have also heard reports that there are plans to decrease our footprint in embassies and consulates around the world, in all but 8 or 9 national security priority countries. We don’t yet know what this means.


§ In following the Executive Order to develop a plan to restructure all federal agencies, it appears that Tillerson is inclined to shift USAID into the State Department as a bureau. He is forming an “Advisory Committee” – made up largely of business leaders – that may just be a rubber stamp of his existing already-formed vision.

The idea of going dark in countries and regions throughout the world – let alone making these decisions so quickly and without Congressional input – is unimaginable. Needless to say, we’re already in action:


§ While no one is denying the need for reform, we would focus on “responsible reform” that requires adequate time and input. We are already meeting with our friends on Capitol Hill about how the Senate and House Authorization bills can help shape these discussions in a more productive manner. Already, Speaker Ryan and Chairman Corker are asking for our help.


§ We have suggested names that fit the vetting criteria for Tillerson’s “Advisory Committee.”


§ We are working with friends in the legal world to prepare briefs to determine what the Administration can do unilaterally and what requires legislative action.


§ We have requested meetings with Secretary Tillerson, including an invite to meet with our Board of Directors in May. I am not optimistic since he isn’t meeting with outside groups. We are also working on other Administration officials.


§ We have hired a new firm to work with us, Navigators Global, and their principals include most of the team that led the Trump Transition operation.

SOME GOOD NEWS. Yes, there really is some. We have had a remarkable week when it comes to our community and the USGLC team continuing to engage policymakers on our issue. The feedback is extraordinary. You should be very proud:


§ On Wednesday, Lindsay and Jason led 100 leaders for our annual Appropriations Hill Day where the groups met with close to 80 key offices, including the top three House Republican leadership offices.


§ At the same time, I had the opportunity to brief nearly a dozen Senators at the Democratic Steering Committee on the impact of these dangerous cuts. The ability to connect our visits in their home states with legislation they sponsored to their leadership was extremely successful.


§ Finally, and most impressive, is that the national mobilization week was a great success. All told, more than 64,000 calls, emails and letters went to Capitol Hill. Over 5,000 USGLC veterans connected to Mitch McConnell, Rodney Frelinghuysen, and others, and our grasstops leaders made nearly 2,000 direct contacts with Chiefs of Staff, legislative directors, and foreign policy advisors throughout the House and Senate.


§ During the April and May recess, we have identified 60 Members of Congress for in-district meetings and op-eds – and, with our partners, we are whittling away at those meetings.


§ When Congress gets back on April 25th, everyone will be focused on finishing the FY17 spending bill before the current CR expires on April 28th. Congress is close to finalizing an omnibus spending bill, but big spending bills are always hard.


§ Lastly, President George W. Bush just weighed in on the foreign assistance budget while in Africa – calling on Congress to focus on what works and to continue to save lives. See the full quotes below.

A reminder that our next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for May 16th and 17th. We have already confirmed Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Paul Selva, to join us for dinner on the 16th. Enjoy your weekend.

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC

President George W. Bush (speaking from the embassies in Botswana and Namibia):

“In the post-presidency, part of my mission is to call attention to the success and to remind our Congress and the Administration that there is more work to be done. We can’t stop at this stage of the effort in saving human life.”

“As our Congress reviews the budget of programs… it’s really important, as you make your decisions, that you look at what works. And I believe saving 11.5 million lives is proof that PEPFAR works… I am hopeful that as the budget gets debated that people will look at the successes of countries like Botswana and elsewhere. The American people ought to be proud of what has taken place here. We should believe every life matters and every soul is precious…”