[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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