[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 198 (Friday, November 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         REAFFIRMING VITAL ROLE OF UNITED STATES-JAPAN ALLIANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2020

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the U.S.-Japan 
Congressional Caucus and a cosponsor of this resolution, I rise in 
strong support of H. Res. 349, ``Reaffirming the vital role of the 
United States-Japan alliance in promoting peace, stability, and 
prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.''
  First and foremost, I wish to thank my colleague, co-chair of the 
U.S.-Japan Congressional Caucus, and fellow Texan, Congressman Castro, 
for his leadership on this important, bipartisan piece of legislation.
  For over 70 years, the partnership between the United States and 
Japan has played a vital role in ensuring peace and prosperity in Asia 
and beyond.
  At the core of this crucial relationship is a deep and shared 
commitment to freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
  Over the years, this partnership has benefitted not only our two 
countries but also the rest of the world.
  From promoting human rights and democracy to combating the 
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to improving global health 
to countering human trafficking as well as assisting the victims of 
conflict and disaster worldwide, the U.S.-Japan alliance has resulted 
in so much good for millions of people globally.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a leader on this resolution and to 
voice not only the importance of this invaluable friendship but also 
draw attention to the significance of this partnership in addressing 
many of the world's challenges.
  Furthermore, the U.S.-Japan alliance is a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific 
stability, and we must continue to prioritize this partnership to 
further our shared goals of peace and prosperity in the region.
  In the past decade, U.S.-Japan defense cooperation has improved and 
evolved in response to security challenges, such as the North Korean 
missile threat and the confrontation between Japan and China over 
disputed islands.
  I commend the Japanese leadership for deepening defense cooperation 
with the United States for the past two decades as part of their 
efforts to ensure a fair balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
  Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that the U.S. and Japan continue to 
collaborate and pursue our shared, positive vision for Asia that offers 
a better path than authoritarianism, predatory economics and 
geopolitical competition.
  Japan's importance as a democratic and economic partner cannot be 
understated nor should it be ignored.
  With uncertainty arising around the world, this alliance is more 
important than ever before, and I look forward to building on our 
decades-long partnership by further strengthening our ties and ensuring 
the safety and prosperity of both nations.

                          ____________________