[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1464 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1464

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         June 24, 2010.
Whereas January 19, 2010, marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the 
        United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security which has 
        played an indispensable role in ensuring the security and prosperity of 
        both the United States and Japan, as well as in promoting regional peace 
        and stability;
Whereas the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, a 
        cornerstone of United States security interests in the Asia-Pacific 
        region in general and of the United States-Japan alliance, specifically, 
        entered into force on June 23, 1960;
Whereas the robust forward presence of the United States Armed Forces in Japan, 
        including in Okinawa, provides the deterrence and capabilities necessary 
        for the defense of Japan and for the maintenance of Asia-Pacific peace, 
        prosperity, and regional stability;
Whereas the United States-Japan alliance has allowed the United States and Japan 
        to become the world's two largest economies, with Japan occupying the 
        position of the United States fourth-largest trading partner;
Whereas the United States-Japan alliance has encouraged Japan to play a larger 
        role on the world stage and make important contributions to stability 
        around the world;
Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is based upon shared values, democratic 
        ideals, free markets, and a mutual respect for human rights, individual 
        liberties, and the rule of law;
Whereas the hosting by Japan of approximately 36,000 members of the United 
        States Armed Forces has been a source of stability for both Japan and 
        the Asia-Pacific region;
Whereas, on May 1, 2006, the United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment 
        Implementation (hereinafter referred to as ``the Roadmap'') was approved 
        in which Japan agreed to provide $6,090,000,000 including $2,800,000,000 
        in direct cash contributions, for projects to develop facilities and 
        infrastructure on Guam for the relocation of approximately 8,000 III 
        Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) personnel and their approximately 9,000 
        dependents from Okinawa to Guam;
Whereas the Roadmap will lead to a new phase in alliance cooperation and reduce 
        the burden on local communities, especially those on Okinawa, thereby 
        providing the basis for enhanced public support for the United States-
        Japan alliance;
Whereas the Guam International Agreement, signed by Secretary of State Hillary 
        Rodham Clinton and then-Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone on 
        February 17, 2009, reinforces the May 2006 Roadmap to realign the United 
        States Armed Forces in Japan and strengthen the alliance;
Whereas, on May 28, 2010, the United States-Japan Security Consultative 
        Committee (SCC) reconfirmed its commitment to the 2006 Roadmap and the 
        February 17, 2009, Guam International Agreement for the realignment of 
        the United States Armed Forces in Japan;
Whereas the United States-Japan security arrangements underpin cooperation on a 
        wide range of global and regional issues as well as foster prosperity in 
        the Asia-Pacific region;
Whereas Japan has contributed significantly to the stabilization of South Asia 
        with a pledge in November 2009 to provide $5,000,000,000 in economic 
        assistance to Afghanistan over the next 5 years, becoming the second 
        largest international contributor to Afghanistan, and with a pledge in 
        April 2009 to provide $1,000,000,000 to Pakistan over the next 2 years;
Whereas in 2010, Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force is sending a ship to 
        Vietnam and Cambodia from May until July to participate in the United 
        States Navy's Pacific Partnership, an annual medical aid mission aimed 
        at enhancing Asia-Pacific countries' capabilities in disaster relief, 
        extending medical support, and carrying out cultural exchanges;
Whereas the Government of Japan provided rapid and selfless humanitarian aid to 
        the Republic of Haiti, including sending a Japan Self Defense Force unit 
        to carry out disaster relief activities, specifically medical 
        activities, with regard to the earthquake of January 2010;
Whereas North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear programs present a direct 
        and imminent threat to Japan, including long-range missiles fired over 
        northern Japan on August 31, 1998, and April 5, 2009;
Whereas Japan has been a staunch ally in United States diplomatic efforts to 
        denuclearize North Korea, having moved forward United Nations Security 
        Council Resolution 1718 during Japan's Presidency of the United Nations 
        Security Council in October 2006; and
Whereas North Korea's abduction of innocent Japanese civilians during the 1970s 
        and 1980s represents a continuing tragedy for the victims and their 
        family members and must remain a major human rights concern of the 
        United States Government: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes Japan as an indispensable security partner of the 
        United States in providing peace, prosperity, and stability to the Asia-
        Pacific region;
            (2) recognizes that the broad support and understanding of the 
        Japanese people are indispensable for the stationing of the United 
        States Armed Forces in Japan, the core element of the United States-
        Japan security arrangements that protect both Japan and the Asia-Pacific 
        region from external threats and instability;
            (3) expresses its appreciation to the people of Japan, and 
        especially on Okinawa, for their continued hosting of the United States 
        Armed Forces;
            (4) encourages Japan to continue its international engagement in 
        humanitarian, development, and environmental issues; and
            (5) anticipates another 50 years of unshakeable friendship and 
        deepening cooperation under the auspices of the United States-Japan 
        Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.