What business and military already know

Here’s a sampling of what the non-politicians are saying:

General David Petraeus: “I am concerned that levels of funding for our State Department and USAID partners will not sufficiently enable them to build on the hard-fought security achievements of our men and women in uniform. Inadequate resourcing of our civilian partners could, in fact, jeopardize accomplishment of the overall mission… This is a national security issue.” (Testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, March 15, 2011).

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: “The more significant the cuts, the longer military operations will take, and the more and more lives are at risk!” (Handwritten note on a letter to Congressional Leadership calling for a strong and effective International Affairs Budget, May 21, 2010

Chris Polinski, President & CEO of Land O’ Lakes: “The more we sell overseas, the better our economy will do back home. This is the time to invest in even more vigorous international development, so we can put more Americans to work by opening growing markets around the world.” (Op-ed in Roll Call June 30, 2010)

Condoleezza Rice, Former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor: “For the United States, supporting international development is more than just an expression of our compassion. It is a vital investment in the free, prosperous, and peaceful international order that fundamentally serves our national interest.” (Speech at the White House Summit on International Development, October 21, 2008)

R. Bruce Josten, Executive Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “The International Affairs Budget is critical to U.S. economic engagement with the world, especially at a time when there is a wide recognition of the need to boost U.S. exports to create American jobs.” (Open letter to Congress, March 29, 2011)

70 Retired 3 and 4-Star Generals and Admirals: “Development and diplomacy keep us safer by addressing threats in the most dangerous corners of the world and by preventing conflicts before they occur. We must be able to improve our fiscal situation without sacrificing American leadership in the world. Therefore, we urge you to support a strong and effective International Affairs Budget. Our nation’s security depends upon it.” (Open letter to Congress, March 31, 2011)

There is no doubt that we are in a fiscal crisis, but as these individuals have said, the International Affairs Budget is an important part of our national and economic security. Even though our world is a much different place today, President Reagan knew this as well. Known for reshaping our military, he knew the value of development and diplomacy. In the first year of his presidency, he said:

“Security assistance programs, an essential complement to our defense effort, directly enhance the security of the United States. Development assistance also contributes to this effort by supplementing the indigenous efforts of recipients to achieve economic growth and meet the basic needs of their peoples. Progress in both of these areas will contribute to regional stability and to a more peaceful world, both of which are central U.S. policy objectives.”

These are tough times both fiscally and politically, and the most important advice in my experience comes from outside the beltway. Right now we need to listen to the experts who create jobs and work to keep our nation secure every day, like the leaders quoted above. And what they are all saying is a strong and effective International Affairs Budget is good for America.

Mark Green served four terms as a Member of Congress from Wisconsin’s 8th District. He was named Ambassador to Tanzania during the George W. Bush Administration. He is currently Senior Director for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.