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Dear Board of Directors,

Hello from Aspen, where I, along with several fellow Board and Advisory Committee members, are participating in the Brookings Blum Roundtable entitled “U.S. Development Assistance Under Challenge.” It’s been a very helpful conversation and I look forward to sharing some thoughts at the conclusion.

Several items to share:

* Ambassador Mark Green Confirmed. As I am sure you heard, yesterday was a thrilling day as our friend and former USGLC Board colleague Mark Green was unanimously confirmed by the Senate to lead USAID, allowing him to join the “redesign” conversations immediately. Here is our statement<http://www.usglc.org/2017/08/03/usglc-applauds-confirmation-of-ambassador-mark-green-to-lead-usaid/>.
* My Op-Ed on the Famine Crisis. I also used the day to publish an op-ed in TIME to help draw attention to the looming famine crisis and the amazing work of some modern day rock stars – lawmakers, NGOs, business leaders, and a few bright spots in the Administration. Read<http://ti.me/2uazHyU>, tweet<https://twitter.com/USGLC/status/893482722336751618>, share<https://www.facebook.com/USGLC/posts/10154926679322773>.
* My Article on ‘The Politics of Foreign Aid.’ In preparation for the Blum Roundtable, I was asked to write a brief on the political storyline of foreign assistance. I thought it might be of interest<https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-politics-of-foreign-aid/>.

As the Senate left for their shortened August recess, it pushed through dozens of nominees of ambassadors and other senior executive branch officials including:

* Ray Washburne to lead OPIC. Ray is well known, and well respected by many in the community.
* Kay Bailey Hutchison as Ambassador to NATO. Senator Hutchison has been a good friend to USGLC, serving as a member of our National Advisory Council and co-chair of our Texas Advisory Council.
* David Pekoske as TSA Administrator. Dave has been an active member of our National Security Advisory Council.
* Rich Ashooh as Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Rich has been a long-time leader of our New Hampshire Advisory Council.
* Drew Maloney as Deputy Under Secretary of Treasury. Drew has been a friend of the USGLC in the business community.
* Erin Walsh as Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service. Erin engaged with USGLC extensively while heading up the Transition Team’s development operation.

Congress returns after Labor Day with a significant agenda including the debt ceiling and 30 days to deal with all the spending bills. Agencies are required to turn in their reorganization plans to OMB by the end of September, so expect a lot of action on our issues, and that is just in Washington.

Have a great weekend.

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC