[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 508 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 508

  Recognizing the strong security alliance between the Government of 
 Japan and the United States and expressing appreciation to Japan for 
  its role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region and its 
              efforts in the global war against terrorism.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 21, 2007

 Mr. Saxton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                    the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Recognizing the strong security alliance between the Government of 
 Japan and the United States and expressing appreciation to Japan for 
  its role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region and its 
              efforts in the global war against terrorism.

Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of United States 
        security interests in Asia and the Pacific and is fundamental to 
        regional stability and prosperity;
Whereas the United States-Japan alliance continues to be based on shared vital 
        interests and values in the Asia-Pacific region, despite the changes in 
        the post-cold war strategic landscape, including the preservation and 
        promotion of political and economic freedoms, support for human rights 
        and democratic institutions, and securing of prosperity for the people 
        of both countries and the international community;
Whereas on April 27, 2007, during Prime Minister Abe's visit to Washington, 
        President Bush and the Prime Minister reconfirmed their commitment to 
        these common strategic objectives;
Whereas Japan provides military bases and generous financial and material 
        support to United States forward-deployed forces, which are essential 
        for maintaining stability in the region;
Whereas under the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, 
        Japan hosts a carrier battle group, the III Marine Expeditionary Force, 
        the 5th Air Force, and elements of the Army's I Corps;
Whereas the United States currently maintains approximately 50,000 troops in 
        Japan, about half of whom are stationed in Okinawa;
Whereas over the past decade the alliance has been strengthened through revised 
        Defense Guidelines (which expand Japan's noncombat role in a regional 
        contingency) and the continued renewal of Japan's Host Nation Support of 
        United States forces stationed in Japan;
Whereas in 2005, the two allies agreed on a redefinition of roles, missions, and 
        capabilities of alliance forces, which further deepens interoperability 
        and coordination between the Japanese Self Defense Forces (SDF) and 
        United States Armed Forces;
Whereas the agreement also provided for reducing the number of troops stationed 
        in Okinawa and broadening our cooperation in the area of ballistic 
        missile defense (BMD);
Whereas implementation of these agreements will strengthen our capabilities and 
        make our alliance more sustainable;
Whereas after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Japan has participated 
        significantly with the global war on terrorism by providing troops, 
        aircraft, and logistical support for Operation Iraqi Freedom, a 
        commitment which the Japanese Government recently renewed;
Whereas Japan has also provided major logistical support for United States and 
        coalition forces in the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring 
        Freedom since 2002;
Whereas alliance BMD capabilities, which contribute to the alliance's overall 
        deterrence posture, are strengthened to the extent that United States 
        and Japanese systems can operate together effectively;
Whereas in May 2007, the United States and Japan confirmed that, as both 
        countries develop and deploy capabilities, every effort must be made to 
        ensure tactical, operational, and strategic coordination;
Whereas in that light, the United States and Japan will take appropriate 
        measures, in close coordination, in response to ballistic missile 
        threats against alliance interests; and
Whereas because of the importance of improving the situational awareness of 
        United States forces and the SDF, the two sides are committed to the 
        routine sharing of BMD and related operational information directly with 
        each other on a real-time, continuous basis: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes that Japan is one of the most reliable 
        security partners of the United States;
            (2) commends the Government of Japan for its role in 
        enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific Region; and
            (3) expresses appreciation for its efforts in the global 
        war against terrorism.
                                 <all>