[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 130 (Wednesday, September 5, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10091-H10093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE STRONG SECURITY ALLIANCE BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (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, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 508

       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, and the 5th Air Force;
       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 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, including ballistic missile 
     threats against alliance interests;
       Whereas after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, 
     Japan has participated significantly in international efforts 
     to combat terrorism by providing major logistical support for 
     United States and coalition forces in the Indian Ocean in 
     support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and
       Whereas Japan has also provided troops, aircraft, and 
     logistical support for Operation Iraqi Freedom, a commitment 
     which the Japanese Government recently renewed: 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 to the Government of Japan for 
     its contributions to international efforts to combat 
     terrorism.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from American Samoa.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from American Samoa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
proposed bill and yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Again, I want to express my appreciation to the leadership of the 
House Foreign Affairs Committee, the distinguished chairman, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and our distinguished ranking 
member, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen from Florida, for their support of this 
proposed bill.
  And let me also thank our distinguished colleague from the great 
State of New Jersey, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee as 
well as the Natural Resources Committee, my good friend, Mr. Saxton, 
for his sponsorship of this resolution.
  When World War II came to a close, the relationship between the 
United States and Japan could not have been worse. Both sides sustained 
heavy human losses at the hands of the other's military, but together, 
starting in the late 1940s, the United States and the Japanese people 
rebuilt a war-torn Japanese nation brick by brick, industry by 
industry. The alliance between the United States and Japan has grown 
steadily since then, and now it could hardly be stronger.
  Japan today is one of our closest allies in the Asia-Pacific region. 
The strong and enduring partnership we developed when that war 
thankfully came to an end bridges economic, military and political 
realms. Our military alliance helped prevent another world conflict 
during the Cold War, and our two nations jointly held fast to the

[[Page H10092]]

ideas of democracy and freedom in the face of the menacing communist 
threat in this Asian region.
  Today, the U.S. military security alliance with Japan is not only 
just the backbone of the relationship between our two great nations, 
but it is the bedrock of peace and security throughout the Asia-Pacific 
region.
  Upon this foundation, we continue to work together to advance our 
shared values. We jointly promote open markets, open societies, and 
open and transparent governments in Asia and around the world. Japan's 
economic success is a beacon and an example to the entire planet, now 
being the second most powerful economy in the whole world. We also 
tackle some of the most difficult challenges of our time, working 
together in the crucial Six-Party Talks to denuclearize North Korea and 
stabilize Northeast Asia.
  Japan is a reliable and generous friend, quick to assist the United 
States in our times of need. Japan has provided important logistical 
support for the current war in Iraq and is on the front lines of the 
international efforts to combat terrorism by providing support to 
operations in Afghanistan.
  As strong as our relationship is now, we look forward to an even 
stronger partnership in the future. Our two countries are brought 
together by shared interests and shared values, and we are bound 
together by mutual respect and friendship.
  This resolution celebrates this friendship by recognizing the strong 
security alliance between Japan and the United States, as well as 
Japan's critical role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific 
region.
  Today, the House reaffirms that we value highly our alliance with the 
great nation of Japan and believe this partnership will continue 
indefinitely into the future.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly support this resolution, and urge my 
colleagues to support it as well.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I would like to first rise in support of House Resolution 508, 
introduced by my good friend, Mr. Saxton of New Jersey, and I would 
like to congratulate him for offering this resolution before us today 
because the United States security objectives in the Asia-Pacific 
region could not be achieved without the staunch support of our friends 
and allies in Tokyo. The United States-Japan alliance is, as this 
resolution recognizes, the cornerstone of regional stability and 
prosperity.
  When Pyongyang tested a nuclear weapon last fall, we relied heavily 
on our good friend, Japan, which was then serving as president of the 
U.N. Security Council. Together, we achieved passage of Security 
Council Resolution 1718 condemning North Korea's reckless action and 
imposing a series of sanctions. We must continue to work with Tokyo to 
resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis in order to ensure regional 
peace and stability.
  Japan has also been an irreplaceable partner in support of our 
efforts to fight global terrorism. Also, in the year 2002, Tokyo 
graciously offered to host the International Conference on 
Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan following the ouster of the 
Taliban regime.
  We are also very grateful to Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Forces for 
continuing to provide logistical support in the Indian Ocean to 
coalition efforts waging the international war on terrorism.
  Most recently, the Japanese Diet approved a 2-year extension of the 
Special Measures Law in Iraq which provides continued funding for the 
reconstruction of a peaceful and stable Iraq. It was also recently 
reported that three Japanese banks have stopped engaging in any new 
business with Iran, and that Japanese financial institutions are 
restricting loans and rejecting an Iranian request to pay for oil 
imports in currencies other than dollars.
  We are proud of the U.S.-Japan alliance and deeply grateful for the 
friendship of the people of Japan. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this 
resolution, Madam Speaker, which is of vital importance to the security 
of both the United States and Japan.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to 
the author of this resolution, Mr. Saxton of New Jersey.
  Mr. SAXTON. Let me thank the gentlelady for yielding. And let me 
begin by thanking my good friend and colleague, Chairman Tom Lantos, 
for the great high level of cooperation that was exhibited on this 
resolution on a bipartisan basis with Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and others. And 
also, let me acknowledge the great support of my friend, Mr. 
Faleomavaega, on the resolution.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 508, obviously, which 
recognizes the strong security alliance between Japan and the United 
States and expresses appreciation for Japan's role in enhancing 
stability in the Asia-Pacific region in combating terrorism, and 
specifically in Japan's very significant contribution toward global 
missile defense.
  I am pleased to highlight our special relationship with Japan 
following World War II. Our alliance has served as a valuable conduit 
allowing the United States to achieve our security goals throughout 
East Asia. This dynamic nation is the world's second largest economy, 
one of our top trading partners, provides 600,000 U.S. jobs, and is 
actively engaged with many other democracies.
  Our two countries have encountered similar challenges and fought 
shared threats while working to guarantee political and economic 
freedoms for our citizens and for many others. This goal of spreading 
democracy-based prosperity became particularly evident following the 
events of September 11. Following these deplorable acts, Japan readily 
provided support for U.S. and allied forces. Their effort included 
invaluable maritime operations in the Indian Ocean, aircraft to conduct 
support missions for our troops in Iraq, and logistical support that 
even continues to this very day. These actions reveal Japan's 
dedication to eradicating the destruction caused by sponsors of 
terrorism. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Forces have provided roughly 
30 percent of the fuel used by U.S. and coalition warships. They are 
the third largest donor in country for relief and reconstruction in 
Afghanistan, and they have provided billions of dollars for 
reconstruction in Iraq, and Japan continues to renew the Anti-Terrorism 
Special Measures Law that allows for these activities to take place.
  I applaud them for recognizing that the international threats of 
terror will require the cooperation of the world's strongest 
democracies to effectively combat the growing capabilities and support 
systems of terrorist organizations.
  Our strategic relationship extends beyond Japan's involvement in the 
Middle East. Japan offers financial and material resources to the U.S.-
deployed forces, 50,000 of which are stationed in the country.
  Several years ago, our two countries agreed to redefine and 
strengthen the missions of both of our military forces. My resolution 
mentions examples of this coordination by reducing the number of troops 
in Okinawa and expanding the cooperation of ballistic missile defense.
  Once again, I want to reiterate my thanks to Chairman Lantos and 
Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for their assistance in bringing 
this to the floor today.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, with that, I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I 
have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from American Samoa has 16\1/
2\ minutes remaining.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I would like to have as much time as 
I may consume to again compliment and to commend my good friend, the 
gentleman from New Jersey, for his insight.
  And certainly as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, no 
one knows better the importance of our strategic and military influence 
in this important region of the world, and especially with an alliance 
and a partnership with the great country of Japan, that they have 
always stood beside us and always been there when we needed assistance.
  So again, I want to commend my good friend from New Jersey for his 
comments and sponsorship of this legislation. And I thank my good 
friend,

[[Page H10093]]

the gentlelady from Florida, the ranking member, for helping us manage 
this legislation and get it approved by our colleagues.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 508, 
which recognizes the strong security alliance between the Government of 
Japan and the United States and expresses our country's appreciation to 
Japan for its role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region 
and also for their efforts in the global war on terrorism. I commend 
Mr. Saxton for authoring this resolution and for the support by the 
leadership to bring this resolution up for our consideration.
  On October 29, 2005, the Government of the United States and the 
Government of Japan entered into a renewed Security Consultative 
Agreement that calls for a major realignment of U.S.-Japan strategic 
alliance. This agreement continues Japan's strategic role for the 
security of the region in cooperation with the United States. In 
addition, the agreement will realign our U.S. forces within Japan and 
throughout the Pacific so that the U.S. is better positioned to respond 
militarily to incidents in Asia and the Pacific.
  Incidentally, under the agreement, the U.S. territory of Guam could 
become the new home to elements of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. 
It is projected that nearly 8,000 active duty Marines and their 
dependents will be relocated from Okinawa to Guam.
  As you know, Madam Speaker, our U.S. territories fall under the 
jurisdiction of the House Natural Resources Committee, specifically 
under the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs. As chairman of the 
Subcommittee, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Japan and to 
the Pacific over the August recess to convene a field hearing on Guam 
on the proposed U.S. military buildup and the challenges the island's 
community will face due to the impact of relocating so many U.S. 
forces.
  I was impressed by briefings we held with U.S. Navy ADM William 
French and U.S. Air Force BG Douglas Owens. Both were extremely 
forthright about the strategic value of Guam in defending our Nation 
and developing relationships and training opportunities with our 
allies, including Japan, so that our interests in the Asia-Pacific 
region are secured. In fact, while in Guam, our military was conducting 
``Operation Valiant Shield'' which was a military exercise between our 
forces and those of our allies in the Pacific and Asia.
  I was equally impressed with the patriotism of the people of Guam and 
the support they have shown for the relocation. This is not to say that 
there are no concerns throughout the community on what the impact of 
Marines will mean to the services provided to the Government of Guam. 
Any community would have concerns on education, healthcare, law 
enforcement, infrastructure, etc. It is my hope that as the buildup 
continues, the Congress will consider these impacts on the island 
community and work to mitigate such problems for the benefit of the 
community ``outside the gates.''
  On my return from Guam, I also had the opportunity to meet with 
officials from the Japanese Defense and Foreign Ministries to be 
briefed on their progress in the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan. 
In addition to meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Haneda, we were 
informed by the Senior Coordinator for Japan-U.S. Security Affairs, 
Keiichi Ono and the Deputy Director General for Realignment Initiatives 
Daikichi Momma and their team, that Japan is moving forward with the 
things they need to do to fully implement the realignment and that they 
would be mindful to take into account concerns raised about the impact 
of the realignment on the territory and people of Guam.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to express my appreciation and that of my 
constituents to the people of Japan for their continued strong alliance 
and for their role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region 
and their efforts in the global war on terrorism. I urge my colleagues 
to support adoption of H. Res. 508.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the House 
Resolution 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.
  The Government of Japan, crucial to stabilizing the Asia-Pacific 
Region, has for decades served as a cornerstone for U.S. national 
security posture worldwide. I expect our governments to remain strong 
allies long into the future. The Government of Japan's efforts in 
support of the global war against terrorism are commendable and serve 
as a superb model for other governments to emulate.
  The people of Guam, who I represent in Congress, enjoy a robust 
relationship with the Japanese people. Many residents on Guam are of 
Japanese descent. Also, Guam hosts over a million Japanese tourists 
each year and we welcome more. Japanese companies make significant 
investments in Guam's telecommunications infrastructure and in our 
tourism and hospitality industry. Moreover, Guam's relationship with 
the Japanese people and their government will grow stronger in the 
years to come. The Government of Japan will, in large part, finance the 
planned re-Iocation of elements of the III Marine Expeditionary Force 
from Okinawa to Guam. What is more, the future military training 
exercises on and in the waters around Guam will include greater numbers 
of Japanese Self-Defense Force personnel.
  I welcome all efforts that strengthen the security relationship that 
exists between the United States and the Japan. I strongly support this 
resolution recognizing the valuable 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. I urge my 
colleagues' support.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 508, as amended.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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