Investing globally for Virginia's security, economy

By Pete Osman

and Barry DuVal

American leadership is needed as never before around the globe and, as we have seen so many times in our commonwealth's rich history, Virginia is taking the lead. With our thriving international trade business and proud military tradition, Hampton Roads is at the forefront of today's interconnected world.

Engaging in the global economy brings real economic benefits, and our commonwealth has reaped those rewards over the past five years as exports from Virginia companies have increased 56 percent.

As Hampton Roads is one of the largest military complexes in the world, our thousands of men and women in uniform know the complex threats we face today require us to use a range of foreign policy tools, including development and diplomatic operations alongside defense, to keep our nation safe.

As a military man and a businessman, it may seem like we come from different perspectives on U.S. foreign policy, but we both care deeply about building a better, safer world while also creating jobs here at home. From our collective experience, we know that one of the best ways to do this is with a strong and effective U.S. international affairs budget.

Its programs fund critical counter-terrorism operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan; prevent conflicts in other dangerous corners of the world before they even start; fight pandemic disease and poverty, which can contribute to global instability; and help eliminate safe havens to terrorists and extremists.

In today's economic climate, we are all looking for ways to help local businesses grow and create jobs, and it may surprise you that the international affairs budget is a cost-effective way to do just that. In the most recent fiscal year, the U.S. budgeted $50.9 billion, or 1.4 percent of its total budget, for these nonmilitary operations. This small investment plays a critical role in opening new markets for Virginia businesses.

When companies in our community have access to customers overseas, they can expand and hire new workers here at home. Nearly one in five Virginia jobs now depends on trade, and close to half of U.S. exports now go to the developing world. As markets in those countries continue to grow faster than any others in the world, we cannot afford not to invest in our international affairs programs.

That is why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which represents nearly 3 million American businesses, wrote members of Congress that a strong and effective international affairs budget is critical for our nation's economic growth.

While the economic benefits from the international affairs budget are huge, international affairs are also an essential element of our national security.

One of its biggest proponents is former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who has said time and again that "without development we will not be successful in either Iraq or Afghanistan." He has regularly lamented that there aren't enough foreign service officers to support even one of the aircraft carriers we have in the harbor here in Norfolk.

A comprehensive national security strategy, including smart power, unquestionably saves service members' lives by ensuring that "boots on the ground" are always a last resort.

Our experiences in the business community and the military have made both of us believers in a strong and effective international affairs budget. It provides a tremendous return in terms of keeping our nation safe and our economy growing. That is the kind of investment our leaders in Congress can - and should - get behind.

We know times are tough, and budgets will have to be trimmed in order to bring our country back to fiscal responsibility. But we cannot afford to skimp on programs that protect our national security and enhance our economic growth.

Virginia has always been at the forefront of American leadership, and we hope Virginia's delegation in Washington will do the right thing and support a strong and effective international affairs budget.

Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, a graduate of Old Dominion University, retired after 37 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Barry DuVal, a former secretary of commerce and trade for the commonwealth, is the president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.