The Hill: Addressing drug problems abroad benefits Americans here
Former Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Former Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.), both Arthur H. Vandenberg distinguished fellows at the United Nations Foundation

“…Here … are three reflections for [freshman members of Congress to consider] as you begin your journeys: Local problems can have global roots. … Addressing problems ‘over there’ benefits Americans here. … A health threat anywhere is a health threat everywhere. … Always critical to these efforts: global organizations, sharing information, leveraging resources, and working together. … [T]he reality of our age is that we are interconnected and interdependent. Working with multilateral organizations like the U.N. isn’t optional, it’s necessary for the safety and security of all Americans. The U.N., like Congress, isn’t perfect. It shares the complexities and inefficiencies of most large organizations — albeit an organization that spans 193 countries and dozens of languages. We pressed for reforms during our time in Congress, and as the nation responsible for bringing the U.N. into existence, we must continue to ensure that U.S. contributions are used effectively. That means leading from within, through the hard work of diplomacy and engagement…” (2/6).