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Dear Board of Directors,

Thanks again to everyone who was able to join the Board call on such short notice yesterday. Just when we thought the FY18 budget was done – we’re back at it again, and unfortunately, as we discussed, the situation may be even more damaging.

Background (for those that missed the call):

* After a long and arduous process to claw back cuts to the FY18 spending, we now face another serious political threat to the International Affairs Budget.

* The President seems determined to move forward with his FY18 plan to rescind spending, including disproportionate cuts to foreign assistance.

* Even though the Senate could be the firewall once again, the political damage could be significant – particularly in an election year. Plus, as we discussed on the phone, we can take nothing for granted.

* In fact, just after the call, Eric Reading reported that the Administration was doubling down on the $200 million freeze on Syrian civilian aid, instructing USAID to spin down ongoing Syria reconstruction work – just when we hoped the dynamic would shift a different direction after the chemical attack on civilians. We should not underestimate the political hostility towards foreign assistance from the White House.

Next steps:
As promised, below and attached you will find updated talking points and a list of key Congressional offices to contact. Please let Lindsay (lplack@usglc.org<mailto:lplack@usglc.org>) or Jason (jgross@usglc.org<mailto:jgross@usglc.org>) know any feedback you hear.

Thank you for your leadership – this one is the real deal unfortunately. Also, some good quotes and conversations on Capitol Hill coming out of the Pompeo confirmation hearing and a hearing with Secretary Mattis. I will be circulating those notes later today for those interested.

Best,

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC


Outreach on FY18 Rescission Package

Suggested Talking points


* At a time of multiple, severe foreign policy challenges confronting America, now is the absolutely wrong time to slash funding civilian national security and foreign policy tools.

* Our military leaders are the first to say that hard power alone is not enough to keep America safe. We can’t balance the budget on the backs of our diplomats and development professionals – not when our national security is at stake.

* Reopening the FY18 appropriations process risks short-term political damage that makes Congress appear dysfunctional. It also risks longer term damage to any future negotiations on spending between Congress and the White House.

* Slashing State Department resources just before Mike Pompeo’s planned shift to Foggy Bottom will undercut his authority and standing before he arrives at his desk.

Key Congressional Targets
Please contact key Senators and Representatives, urging their support to stop and/or blunt the rescissions package impact on the International Affairs Budget. Urge members to talk directly to the Administration, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (House), or Majority Leader McConnell (Senate). Please keep Jason (jgross@usglc.org<mailto:jgross@usglc.org>) or Lindsay (lplack@usglc.org) posted with any feedback. Below are key congressional targets:

Congressional Offices to Communicate Directly to Administration Targets

Member

Staffer

Role

Email

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Paul Grove

SFOPS Clerk

paul_grove@appro.senate.gov

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Matt Rimkunas

Legislative Director

matt_rimkunas@lgraham.senate.gov

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

Robert Zarate

Senior Foreign Policy Advisor

robert_zarate@rubio.senate.gov

Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL)

Sam Fletcher

National Security Advisor

sam_fletcher@Shelby.Senate.gov

Rep. Tom Garrett (R-VA)

Tripp Grant

Legislative Assistant

tripp.grant@mail.house.gov

Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX)

Johnnie Kaberle

Deputy Chief of Staff

johnnie.kaberle@mail.house.gov

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC)

Chad Yelinski

Legislative Director

chad.yelinski@mail.house.gov

Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY)

Craig Higgins

SFOPS Clerk

craig.higgins@mail.house.gov

Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY)

Alex Pinson

Counsel

alex.pinson@mail.house.gov

Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL)

James Walsh

Legislative Director

james.walsh@mail.house.gov

DIRECT TO:
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)

Luke Murry

Senior Policy Advisor

luke.murry@mail.house.gov


Senate Republicans to Urge McConnell Action to Administration Targets

Member

Staffer

Role

Email

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)

Mikhaila Fogel

Legislative Assistant

mikhaila_fogel@collins.senate.gov

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)

Abbey Overland

Legislative Assistant

abbey_overland@ernst.senate.gov

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Paul Grove

SFOPS Clerk

paul_grove@appro.senate.gov

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Matt Rimkunas

Legislative Director

matt_rimkunas@lgraham.senate.gov

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

Ryan Evans

Legislative Assistant

ryan_evans@isakson.senate.gov

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS)

Nathan Heiman

Legislative Assistant

nathan_heiman@moran.senate.gov

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

Nathan Bergerbest

Deputy Chief of Staff

nathan_bergerbest@murkowski.senate.gov

Sen. David Perdue (R-GA)

Caitlin Poling

National Security Advisor

caitlin_poling@perdue.senate.gov

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

Robert Zarate

Senior Foreign Policy Advisor

robert_zarate@rubio.senate.gov

Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL)

Sam Fletcher

National Security Advisor

sam_fletcher@Shelby.Senate.gov

Sen. Todd Young (R-IN)

Brad Bowman

National Security Advisor

brad_bowman@young.senate.gov