To the Members of the U.S. Senate:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports funding for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in the appropriations package being considered by the Senate this week. NED enjoys support from the business community because of its cost-effective investments that advance U.S. national and economic interests.
The work of NED and its four core institutes — the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the Solidarity Center, and the Center for International Private Enterprise — is more relevant today than ever. NED works around the world to help build stable and peaceful democracies. The NED is critically important to ensuring America’s leadership abroad and continuing efforts to promote democracy and free market principles in countries around the world. It is critical that Congress not permit a reversal in the gains achieved during the last several decades in building democratic institutions and free market reform, which directly benefits America’s economic growth and national security.
Since its inception, the U.S. Chamber has been proud to have a central role in supporting the work of CIPE. We strongly urge all senators to support and preserve funding for the NED and reject any efforts to undermine this important institution.
Sincerely,
Rodney Davis
Senior Vice President
Government Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
