[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED STATES-JAPAN TREATY OF MUTUAL 
                        COOPERATION AND SECURITY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1464, 
recognizing the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the United 
States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and expressing 
appreciation to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for 
enhancing peace, prosperity, and security in the Asia-Pacific region. I 
thank Chairman Eni Faleomavaega and Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for 
their leadership in developing this legislation. The treaty ushered in 
an era of greater political and economic cooperation between our two 
great nations. The treaty's signing in 1960 transformed the alliance 
between the United States and Japan and has allowed both nations to 
enjoy 50 years of increased economic prosperity and promoted mutual 
security interests for the Asia-Pacific region.
  Since the enactment of the Treaty, the United States and Japan have 
become two of the world's largest and most productive economies as both 
nations have benefited from their trade relationship. Further, the 
longstanding forward presence of the U.S. Armed Forces in Japan has 
provided the deterrence capabilities necessary to ensure regional 
stability. Increased exchanges between our countries like the U.S.-
Japan Legislative Exchange Program have fostered a greater 
understanding and respect between our two legislative bodies.
  In the 21st century, this strong partnership with Japan will continue 
to evolve. Most evident is our security relationship which is 
undergoing change. The 2006 United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment 
Implementation outlines major realignment of military forces in Japan. 
The establishment of a new Futenma Replacement Facility is the lynchpin 
to realigning 8,600 Marines and their dependents from Okinawa, Japan to 
Guam. The commitments of the Roadmap have since been reaffirmed by U.S. 
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Japanese Foreign 
Minister Hirofumi Nakasone. The realignment of military forces 
underscores the continuing importance of the security relationship 
between our two nations. It also symbolizes the importance of more 
strategically aligning our forces in the Asia-Pacific region to meet 
current and emerging threats. The relationship between our two nations 
will only continue to grow. Beyond the realignment of forces I believe 
our two nations can partner to provide greater leadership in the 
region, more opportunities for green technology in the Pacific islands, 
jointly combat piracy on the high-seas, and continue to invest in this 
important part of the world.
  For those reasons and more, I believe H. Res. 1464 recognizes and 
encourages these important aspects of U.S.-Japanese relations and will 
assist in continuing our mutually beneficial relationship for decades 
to come.

                          ____________________