[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




MR. THIERRY PORTE, NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE JAPAN-U.S. FRIENDSHIP COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2008

  Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I want to join my colleague, Representative 
Jim McDermott, in congratulating Mr. Thierry Porte on his appointment 
as the new chairman of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission. He will 
also serve as chairman of the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and 
Educational Interchange, known as CULCON.
  The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission is an independent Federal agency 
that provides support, primarily through grants, to Americans to better 
understand and meet the challenges of the U.S.-Japan relationship. The 
commission consists of both private and certain designated public 
officials, and I am pleased to serve as one of two commissioners 
appointed from the House.
  Mr. Porte was nominated to join the commission and serve as chairman 
last year with overwhelming support from commission members, and his 
appointment was recently approved by the White House.
  His long and very direct experience in Japan and U.S.-Japan issues 
will serve the commission and CULCON well as we work to build greater 
understanding and strengthen ties between our two countries through the 
funding of educational, cultural, and academic programs. Mr. Porte has 
vast experience in the financial services industry and currently is the 
president and CEO of Shinsei Bank Limited.
  He also is a member of the board of directors and chairman of the 
Finance Committee of the American School in Japan. Previously, he 
served as vice president and governor of the American Chamber of 
Commerce in Japan, and in 2002-2003, Mr. Porte was a member of the 
Invest Japan Forum, which provided recommendations on the promotion of 
foreign direct investment in Japan to Prime Minister Koizumi.
  But his interest in Japan extends beyond the financial markets--he is 
knowledgeable in Japanese culture and the arts as well, and he will 
bring a unique perspective to our efforts.
  It is a privilege to have Mr. Porte serve as our chairman. I know he 
has the right background, skills and energy to continue to build on the 
important work of the commission.

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