[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 195 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10065-H10068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
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RECOGNIZING THE UNITED STATES-REPUBLIC OF KOREA ALLIANCE
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1149) recognizing that the United
States-Republic of Korea alliance serves as a linchpin of regional
stability and bilateral security, and exemplifies the broad and deep
military, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties shared between the
United States and the Republic of Korea.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows
H. Res. 1149
Whereas the United States Armed Forces and South Korean
troops fought together to defend the Korean peninsula from
Communist aggression before the Korean Armistice Agreement
was signed in 1953, and the United States of America and the
Republic of Korea have continued this camaraderie since
signing the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States
and the Republic of Korea that same year;
Whereas the Republic of Korea is a model for alliance
burden-sharing, currently hosting 28,500 American active-duty
military personnel, funding fifty percent of the total non-
personnel costs of the U.S. troop presence on the Korean
peninsula, fielding the world's seventh-largest military, and
spending over 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product on
defense;
Whereas the Republic of Korea is among the closest allies
of the United States, having contributed troops in support of
United States operations during the Vietnam war, Gulf war,
and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, while also supporting
numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions throughout the
world;
Whereas United States forces on the Korean Peninsula are
critical not only to the security of the Republic of Korea
but also to protect against adversaries that threaten
regional stability and the United States homeland;
Whereas the U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command is the most
integrated and effective combined military command in the
world and, taken together with the United Nations Command,
has formed a structure that has provided effective defense
and deterrence on the Korean Peninsula for decades;
Whereas North Korea has the world's fourth-largest
military, in addition to potentially as many as 60 nuclear
weapons and between 2,500 and 5,000 metric tons of chemical
weapons;
Whereas the United States supports the Republic of Korea's
efforts at peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula
and recognizes the critical importance of close policy
coordination between Washington and Seoul;
Whereas in February 2017, a United Nations investigatory
body confirmed that North Korea attempted to sell key
materials for constructing miniaturized nuclear warheads, and
found that ballistic missile cooperation between Iran and
North Korea was ``significant and meaningful'';
Whereas the United States and South Korea share a
commitment to democracy, human rights, and free market
principles, as laid out in the 2009 U.S.-ROK Joint Vision
Statement as the foundation for a 21st century ``strategic
alliance'' based on shared values;
Whereas the Republic of Korea actively contributes to
peacekeeping, cybersecurity, non-proliferation, overseas
development assistance, climate change mitigation,
counterterrorism, and post-conflict stabilization;
Whereas the Republic of Korea suffered economic retaliation
from China for installing the United States Theater High
Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ballistic missile defense
system, a measure necessitated by North Korea's nuclear and
ballistic missile belligerence;
Whereas Korea is the world's eleventh-largest economy and
the sixth-largest goods trading partner of the United States,
and
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creates bilateral trade and investment which supports 400,000
American jobs;
Whereas the United States is the largest foreign direct
investor in the Republic of Korea, and Korean investment in
the United States is increasing;
Whereas the Republic of Korea evolved from authoritarian
governance to a vibrant, model democracy that embraces human
rights and the rule of law in a region increasingly
challenged by authoritarianism, which stands in stark
contrast to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which
commits human rights violations ``that do not have any
parallel in the contemporary world'' according to a 2014
United Nations report;
Whereas the Republic of Korea has become a key stakeholder
and an active and constructive participant in various
international organizations, including the United Nations, G-
20, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development,
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Association of
Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum, International
Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization;
Whereas Korean American Day commemorates the first arrival
of Koreans to the United States in 1903 and honors the great
contributions of Korean Americans across all aspects of
society, which will only continue to grow as this population
now numbers nearly two million citizens and as Korean
students constitute the third-largest source of foreign
students in the United States; and
Whereas the Korean-American community remains one of the
most important bridges between the Republic of Korea and the
United States and has helped foster deeper ties between the
two nations: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes that the United States-Republic of Korea
alliance serves as a linchpin of regional stability and
bilateral security, and exemplifies the broad and deep
military, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties shared
between the United States and the Republic of Korea;
(2) reiterates that the Republic of Korea and the United
States share an interest in the continued strength of the
bilateral alliance, and in further deepening the bilateral
relationship;
(3) emphasizes that the United States-Republic of Korea
alliance remains not only a bulwark for peace and stability
in Northeast Asia, but also an exemplar of democratic values,
free market principles, commitment to universal human rights,
and the rule of law throughout the Indo-Pacific and globally;
(4) reaffirms the need for the United States and the
Republic of Korea to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in continuing
to apply the economic and financial pressure necessary to
help peacefully end the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea's dangerous nuclear and missile programs; and
(5) emphasizes that, regardless of the outcome of attempted
negotiations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,
the United States-Republic of Korea alliance will continue to
deter, defend against, and defeat any outside aggressors,
uphold the peace, and guard the prosperity built by our two
nations.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks
and to include extraneous material in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, strengthening U.S.-Korea ties has been one of my top
priorities in Congress. As a southern Californian, I have seen
firsthand how Korean Americans serve as pillars not only for their
communities in the U.S., but also for the friendship between the U.S.
and South Korea.
It was an honor to see my former staff member, Young Kim, represent
my Orange County neighbors and myself in the California State Assembly.
She served ably and energetically. Her story is the same as so many
South Koreans who have come to this country and thrived.
The United States has no better partner in the Asia Pacific than the
Republic of Korea. We signed the KORUS Free Trade Agreement, which went
into effect in 2012. Since enactment of the KORUS Free Trade Agreement
in 2012, trade has flourished, creating jobs in America and South
Korea. In fact, South Korea is now our sixth largest trading partner,
and, today, this partnership remains as important as ever as we look at
the growing challenges across Asia.
We stood by Seoul as it was wrongfully punished by China for
installing the THAAD ballistic missile defense system. And we continue
to lead in helping to address the grave and immediate threats North
Korea poses to Seoul and poses to the United States and our neighboring
partners.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts, it was recently reported that
North Korea has expanded a missile base along the Chinese border. A
nearby second facility was also uncovered, while numerous undeclared
missile bases have now been identified. And last month, North Korea's
official news media reported that it successfully tested a new ``state-
of-the-art weapon that has been long developed . . . significantly
improving the combat power of our people's army.'' That is their quote.
These provocations and developments should underscore the threat we
face from North Korea. That is why it is so important that we continue
to press forward together with a campaign of maximum financial and
diplomatic pressure. We must remain clear-eyed that the third
generation of the Kim regime poses just as significant of a threat to
us, our partners, and, most acutely, the North Korean people as ever.
Again, the U.S. has no better friend in Asia or anywhere else in the
world than South Korea. We must continue to strengthen this
partnership, particularly in the face of the threats we continue to
face.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume,
and I rise in support of this measure.
Mr. Speaker, let me once again start by thanking Chairman Royce. He
has been one of Congress' most active leaders, if not the most active
leader, on policy related to the Korean Peninsula. He leaves behind a
great legacy after a distinguished career in this Chamber and a
remarkable record of bipartisanship and leadership on the Foreign
Affairs Committee.
The measure before us today affirms that the United States-Republic
of Korea alliance will continue to defend against outside aggressors,
uphold the peace, and guard the prosperity built by our two nations.
This resolution is before us at a critical time. The American
alliance with South Korea is under intense strain. It is critical that
we coordinate with our partners in Seoul when it comes to North Korea,
but we see the administration and our South Korean partner are not on
the same page when it comes to this important security issue. I am
deeply concerned about the potential consequences of this gap between
our administration and our ally, and many of us in both parties share
the concern.
Now, the question of how we handle American policy toward North Korea
is very important. This resolution rightly lays out that we should
continue to apply economic pressure to the Kim regime, but we need to
remember sanctions are a tool, not a complete strategy. We need to
fully articulate a diplomatic strategy to accompany sanctions and
enable them to work properly.
I also think it is important that our sanctions policy provides
specific humanitarian exemptions. Life-saving humanitarian aid has
never been held hostage to the political whims of the Kim family. We
need to continue that tradition and not allow the impoverished,
mistreated people of North Korea to pay the price for their dictator's
political machinations.
I agree with the chairman that we need to put economic pressure on
the North Korean regime. But Congress should continue to provide space
for diplomacy and humanitarian assistance, as we do now in our current
sanctions policy. The resolution before us today would be a stronger
piece of legislation if it contained mention of this principle.
Although I wish the resolution laid out more explicitly the
importance of a holistic strategy to accompany sanctions, it is a good
measure that I am proud to support.
Our alliance with Korea is of paramount importance to our strategic
and security interests, and I am glad this
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measure reaffirms our strong commitment to that partnership.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this
resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho), chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on Asia an the Pacific.
Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, with this resolution, the United States
recognizes its longstanding and multifaceted relationship with the
Republic of Korea, one that runs much deeper than the headlines of
today's news may convey.
Once among the world's poorest countries and devastated by war less
than 70 years ago, you would find it difficult to believe the stories
of Korea's past by visiting Seoul today. I led a bipartisan codel to
Seoul this September to meet with members of the parliament, Foreign
Affairs, Trade, and Defense Ministries, and North Korean defectors. The
U.S.-South Korea partnership is so much more than a military alliance.
Our partnership cultivated the Miracle on the Han River and showed the
world how a nation can transition from aid to trade.
As stated, South Korea is now our sixth largest trading partner and
tenth largest importer of agricultural products. South Korea has lived
under the threat of war since its founding, but it has managed to lift
its people out of extreme poverty and become an aid donor, a leader in
international fora, one of the greatest sources of investment in the
United States, and a shining example to many other countries in the
region.
As revisionist powers challenge the vision and values that underpin
the South Korean miracle, the United States needs partners more today
than ever before, partners that embody and promote the open border from
which we have both deeply benefited.
With this resolution, the House recognizes the United States' special
bond with the Republic of Korea, and the need to deepen and cultivate
this partnership to promote peace and prosperity of both nations well
into the future.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Sherman), one of our most senior and ranking members on
the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He is ranking member of the
Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Royce for introducing H.
Res. 1149, which recognizes the importance of our alliance with South
Korea.
As ranking member of the Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee and a
member of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, I am pleased to cosponsor
this resolution with several other Members of Congress.
The U.S. and South Korea share common values--democracy, commitment
to justice--but we also share a unique bond of history. The United
States military and South Korean troops fought side by side to defend
the Korean Peninsula before the Armistice Agreement of 1953. Today, we
continue to cooperate in order to defend the Korean Peninsula. In fact,
South Korea currently hosts 28,500 American Active Duty military
personnel.
Only 35 miles separate Seoul from North Korea, and when I was there
with the chairman, we noticed that property values are considerably
lower on the north side of Seoul than on the south side of Seoul. While
we have substantial conventional forces there, no number of soldiers
can deal with the biggest threat from North Korea; namely, its nuclear
arsenal.
Now, I know it has been tweeted that we no longer face a nuclear
threat from North Korea, would that that be so. Secretary of State
Pompeo has recently stated that North Korea continues to make more
fissile material, no doubt using that to make more nuclear bombs, even
several every year. And satellite imagery shows that North Korea is
continuing to build and expand bases for intercontinental ballistic
missiles.
So we are standing shoulder to shoulder with South Korea, but we face
a real threat from North Korea, and we will not be able to deal with
that threat without the assistance of both South Korea and Japan.
This resolution reaffirms the need for the United States and South
Korea to stand shoulder to shoulder in continuing to apply necessary
economic pressure on North Korea. Toward that end, I would say that we
have scaled back in substance, if not in legal form, our sanctions
against North Korea, perhaps falsely believing that a few words
exchanged in Singapore are a reason to do so.
Recently, we have sent a letter to the administration, a bipartisan
letter urging them to sanction major Chinese banks, not just small
ones, that have done business with North Korea in violation of U.S. law
and U.N. sanctions.
Now, it is important also to look at the Korean American community,
and I am pleased that the resolution recognizes the importance of the
bridges created by the American Korean community between the United
States and the Republic of Korea.
I recently led a letter urging President Trump and President Moon to
make a major priority among North Korea, the United States, and South
Korea allowing American citizens, some 100,000 of them, who have
relatives in North Korea to at least be allowed to visit their
relatives and, even before that, at least be allowed to talk to them
over the phone. We must recognize the potential for the Korean American
community to serve the cause of peace and to help establish a dialogue.
Again, I thank Chairman Royce for his leadership on this measure and
urge its adoption.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Let me say, Mr. Speaker, I again thank Chairman Royce for his years
of leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee and his remarkable
legacy on setting the agenda for American policy in the Korean
Peninsula.
The United States-South Korea alliance is essential to our strategic
posture in Asia. Our commitment to the Republic of Korea will persevere
as a critical part of American foreign policy. It should be our utmost
priority to deepen and strengthen our cooperation, and this resolution
continues and aids that strong partnership.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this
resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I again recognize and thank Eliot Engel
for his work on all of these measures, and I also recognize the
importance of the U.S.-South Korean partnership. I have discussed the
importance of that defense relationship as we stood shoulder to
shoulder during the Korean war and how our economic partnership,
bolstered by the enactment of the KORUS FTA, supports 400,000 American
jobs.
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While we discuss the importance of this partnership, I want to
recognize that there is no greater bridge between our countries than
the Korean American community. Since first arriving in the United
States in 1903, they have worked tirelessly to form closer bonds
between the United States and South Korea. And looking forward, the
U.S. will remain committed to this important relationship.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my strong
support for H. Res. 1149 and the alliance between the United States and
the Republic of Korea.
Our two nations have forged an important military alliance and strong
economic and diplomatic friendship built on shared support for
democracy, free markets and human rights. I have long advocated for
increasing the American commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,
with the important U.S.-Korean relationship central to that strategy.
Both of our nations are threatened by North Korea's nuclear program.
With nuclear talks at an apparent standstill, the current reduction in
bilateral military exercises may be harming joint readiness with little
to show for it. I will continue to urge the administration to conduct
exercises when militarily necessary and separate our military
cooperation with South Korea from ongoing negotiations about North
Korea's nuclear program.
The United States and the Republic of Korea share a desire to
eliminate the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile
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programs and secure a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. By working
together as allies and friends we increase the likelihood of making
these aspirations into reality.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bost). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1149.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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