Former defense chief Gates joins foreign-aid advocacy group

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates is joining the advisory council of the nation's biggest booster for foreign-aid spending, The Hill has learned.

Gates hasn't lent his name to many causes since leaving the Obama administration last year, so signing him on is seen as a big win for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, a broad network of more than 400 businesses and nonprofit groups that advocates for development and diplomatic engagement. Gates is known for championing a “3 D's” approach to U.S. foreign policy — defense, development and diplomacy.

“Secretary Gates is one of the most effective voices and champions of the International Affairs Budget and over the years never missed an opportunity to promote strong development and diplomacy efforts,” the coalition's executive director, Liz Schrayer, said in a statement that will be released publicly Wednesday morning. “It is very powerful when a sitting Secretary of Defense, speaking at the USGLC’s 2010 conference, says ‘Development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers.’ ”

The news comes as foreign aid is once again on the chopping block in Congress as lawmakers seek to rein in the deficit. The council, made up of every living secretary of State — Colin Powell is honorary chairman — and Cabinet members and former lawmakers, counters that foreign aid is a cost-effective way to spread U.S. influence.

Former Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) is also joining the council.