[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 62 (Thursday, April 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2294-H2296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1047
JOINT MEETING TO HEAR AN ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY KISHIDA FUMIO, PRIME 
                           MINISTER OF JAPAN

  During the recess, the House was called to order by the Speaker at 10 
o'clock and 47 minutes a.m.
  The Assistant Sergeant at Arms, Ms. Kathleen Joyce, announced the 
Vice President and Members of the U.S. Senate, who entered the Hall of 
the House of Representatives, the Vice President taking the chair at 
the right of the Speaker, and the Members of the Senate the seats 
reserved for them.
  The SPEAKER. The joint meeting will come to order.
  The Chair appoints as members of the committee on the part of the 
House to escort His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, 
into the Chamber:
  The gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise);
  The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer);
  The gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik);
  The gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon);
  The gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith);
  The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill);
  The gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans);
  The gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer);
  The gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries);
  The gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Clark);
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar);
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Lieu);
  The gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette);
  The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui);
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Takano); and
  The gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Tokuda).
  The VICE PRESIDENT. The President of the Senate, at the direction of 
that body, appoints the following Senators as members of the committee 
on the part of the Senate to escort His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime 
Minister of Japan, into the House Chamber:
  The Senator from Illinois (Mr. Durbin);
  The Senator from Washington (Mrs. Murray);
  The Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar);
  The Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Manchin);
  The Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Booker);
  The Senator from Maryland (Mr. Cardin);
  The Senator from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono);
  The Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell);
  The Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Thune);
  The Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso);
  The Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito);
  The Senator from Iowa (Ms. Ernst);
  The Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski);
  The Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch); and
  The Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Hagerty).
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms announced the Acting Dean of 
the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Ambassador 
of the Republic of Djibouti.
  The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps entered the Hall of the House 
of Representatives and took the seat reserved for him.
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms announced the Cabinet of the 
President of the United States.
  The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, entered the 
Hall of the House of Representatives and took the seat reserved for him 
in front of the Speaker's rostrum.
  At 11 o'clock and 7 minutes a.m., the Sergeant at Arms, the Honorable 
William P. McFarland, announced His Excellency Kishida Fumio.
  The Prime Minister of Japan, escorted by the committee of Senators 
and Representatives, entered the Hall of the House of Representatives 
and stood at the Clerk's desk.
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  The SPEAKER. Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and the 
distinct honor of presenting to you His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime 
Minister of Japan.
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  Prime Minister KISHIDA. Mr. Speaker, Madam Vice President, honorable 
Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, ladies and 
gentlemen, thank you. I never get such nice applause from the Japanese 
Diet.
  Let me introduce my wife, Yuko, who is in the gallery. The fact that 
I married Yuko should give you great confidence in all my decisions.
  I am truly honored to speak here in this citadel of democracy and 
before

[[Page H2295]]

you, the Representatives of the American people.
  Nine years ago, the late Prime Minister Abe, who was a close friend 
of mine, stood in this very spot and gave an address titled: ``Toward 
an Alliance of Hope.'' I was Foreign Minister in his Cabinet at that 
time, and I was deeply struck to witness the bond between our two 
countries.
  Since childhood, I have felt a connection to the United States, 
perhaps because I spent my first 3 years of elementary school at P.S. 
20 and P.S. 13 in Queens, New York. Even though I was the only Japanese 
student there, my classmates kindly accepted me and helped me immerse 
myself in a new culture.
  We arrived in the fall of 1963, and for several years, my family 
lived like Americans. My father would take the subway to Manhattan, 
where he worked as a trade official. We rooted for the Mets and the 
Yankees and ate hot dogs at Coney Island. On vacation, we would go to 
Niagara Falls or here to Washington, D.C.
  I remember things that were strange and funny to a little Japanese 
boy, like watching ``The Flintstones.'' I still miss that show, 
although I could never translate ``yabba dabba doo.''
  After 60 years, I have a message for the good people of Queens: Thank 
you for making my family and me feel so welcome. I have never forgotten 
it.
  So I speak to you today as a long and close friend of the United 
States.
  I know that the National Park Service is undertaking a rehabilitation 
project in the Tidal Basin. As a gesture of friendship, Japan will 
provide 250 cherry trees that will be planted there in anticipation of 
the 250th anniversary of your independence.
  As you might also remember, the 1964 World's Fair was held in Queens. 
Its symbol was the giant Unisphere, and the fair's theme was ``Peace 
Through Understanding,'' and yet we also know that peace requires more 
than understanding. It requires resolve.
  The U.S. shaped the international order in the postwar world through 
economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power. It championed 
freedom and democracy. It encouraged the stability and prosperity of 
nations, including Japan, and when necessary, it made noble sacrifices 
to fulfill its commitment to a better world.
  The United States policy was based on the premise that humanity does 
not want to live oppressed by an authoritarian state, where you are 
tracked and surveilled and denied from expressing what is in your heart 
and on your mind. You believe that freedom is the oxygen of humanity.
  The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal 
role in the affairs of nations, and yet, as we meet here today, I 
detect an undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what 
your role in the world should be.
  This self-doubt is arising at a time when our world is at history's 
turning point. The post-Cold War era is already behind us, and we are 
now at an inflection point that will define the next stage of human 
history.
  The international order that the U.S. worked for generations to build 
is facing new challenges, challenges from those with values and 
principles very different from ours.
  Freedom and democracy are currently under threat around the globe.
  Climate change has caused natural disasters, poverty and displacement 
on a global scale. In the COVID-19 pandemic, all humanity suffered.
  Rapid advances in AI technology have resulted in a battle over the 
soul of AI that is ranging between its promise and its perils.
  The balance of economic power is shifting. The Global South plays a 
greater role in responding to challenges and opportunities and calls 
for a larger voice.
  Turning to Japan's own neighborhood, China's current external stance 
and military actions present an unprecedented and the greatest 
strategic challenge not only to the peace and security of Japan, but to 
the peace and stability of the international community at large.
  While such a challenge from China continues, our commitment to 
upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law, 
as well as peace, will continue to be the defining agenda going 
forward.
  As a Hiroshima native, I have devoted my political career to bringing 
about a world without nuclear weapons. For years, I have worked to 
revitalize the Non-Proliferation Treaty regime so that we can gain 
momentum in pursuit of the aspiration. But there exists an imminent 
danger of nuclear weapons proliferation in East Asia.
  North Korea's nuclear and missile program is a direct threat. The 
issue of abductions by North Korea remains a critical issue.
  North Korea's provocations have impact beyond the region. It has also 
exported its ballistic missiles to support Russia's war of aggression 
against Ukraine, greatly increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian 
people.
  Russia's unprovoked, unjust, and brutal war of aggression against 
Ukraine has entered its third year. As I often say, Ukraine of today 
may be East Asia of tomorrow.
  Furthermore, Russia continues to threaten the use of nuclear weapons, 
which has contributed to worldwide concern that yet another catastrophe 
by nuclear weapon use is a real possibility. In this reality, close 
coordination between Japan and the U.S. is required more than ever to 
ensure that the deterrence our alliance provides remains credible and 
resilient.
  New forms of oppression are being imposed on the world. Freedom is 
being suppressed through digital technologies. Social media is 
censored, monitored, and controlled.
  There are growing cases of economic coercion and the so-called debt 
trap diplomacy, whereby the economic dependency of nations is exploited 
and weaponized.
  Facing such rapidly changing pressures, how do we continue to 
safeguard our common values?
  I want to address those Americans who feel the loneliness and 
exhaustion of being the country that has upheld the international order 
almost single-handedly.
  I understand it is a heavy burden to carry such hopes on your 
shoulders.
  Although the world looks to your leadership, the U.S. should not be 
expected to do it all, unaided and on your own.
  Yes, the leadership of the United States is indispensable.
  Without U.S. support, how long before the hopes of Ukraine would 
collapse under the onslaught from Moscow?
  Without the presence of the United States, how long before the Indo-
Pacific would face even harsher realities?
  Ladies and gentlemen, as the United States' closest friend, 
tomodachi, the people of Japan are with you, side by side, to assure 
the survival of liberty not just for our people, but for all people.
  I am not saying this out of my strong attachment to America. I am an 
idealist but a realist, too. The defense of freedom, democracy, and the 
rule of law is the national interest of Japan.
  The Japanese people are fully committed to these values. I do not 
want to leave our children a society where human rights were 
suppressed, where political self-determination is denied, where our 
lives are monitored by digital technology. I know you don't either.
  Upholding these values is both a cause and a benefit for our two 
countries as well as for the generations to come across the world.
  Right now, Japanese and U.S. servicemembers are working side by side 
to deter aggression and ensure peace. I admire them, I thank them, and 
I know I speak for all of us when I say they have the gratitude of both 
our nations.
  On the spaceship called ``Freedom and Democracy,'' Japan is proud to 
be your shipmate. We are on deck, we are on task, and we are ready to 
do what is necessary.
  The democratic nations of the world must have all hands on deck. I am 
here to say that Japan is already standing shoulder to shoulder with 
the United States. You are not alone. We are with you.
  Japan has changed over the years. We have transformed ourselves from 
a reticent ally, recovering from the devastation of World War II, to a 
strong, committed ally, looking outward to the world.
  Japan has transformed its national security strategy. Uncertainty 
about the future stability of the Indo-Pacific region caused us to 
change our policies and our very mindset. I myself have stood at the 
forefront in making our bilateral alliance even stronger.

[[Page H2296]]

  In 2022, we announced that we would secure a substantial increase of 
our defense budget by fiscal year 2027 to 2 percent of GDP, possess 
counterstrike capabilities, and improve cybersecurity. Today, the 
deterrence that our alliance provides is stronger than ever, bolstered 
by U.S. extended deterrence for Japan.
  Japan has taken strong sanctions against Russia in the wake of its 
aggression against Ukraine. We have announced over $12 billion in aid 
to Ukraine, including anti-drone detection systems. This is part of 
NATO's aid package; and, yes, we are even working with NATO on the 
other side of the world from us.
  I might add that in February, to help a devastated Ukraine get 
through these agonizing times, I hosted the conference for Ukraine's 
economic growth and reconstruction. Japan will continue to stand with 
Ukraine.
  As the geopolitical landscape changed and as Japan grew in 
confidence, we expanded our outlook beyond that of being America's 
closest ally. We first became a regional partner of the United States, 
and now we have become your global partner. Never has our relationship 
been so close, our vision and approach so united.
  Today, our partnership goes beyond the bilateral. Examples include 
trilateral and quadrilateral cooperation among the U.S., Japan, the 
Republic of Korea, Australia, India, and the Philippines as well as 
cooperation through the G7 and with ASEAN. The three leaders of the 
U.S., the Republic of Korea, and Japan convened at Camp David last 
summer to inaugurate a new era of our partisanship.
  From these various endeavors emerges a multilayered, regional 
framework where our alliance serves as a force multiplier and, 
together, with these like-minded countries, we are working to realize a 
free and open Indo-Pacific. Here in this Chamber, we should have strong 
bipartisan support for these efforts.
  Japan believes in U.S. leadership, and we also believe in the U.S. 
economy. Japan is the number one foreign direct investor in the United 
States. Japanese companies have invested around $800 billion, creating 
almost 1 million American jobs. These are good jobs, with half a 
million jobs in the manufacturing sector alone.
  At home, I am embarking on a set of initiatives called a New Form of 
Capitalism to drive the Japanese economy. The public and private 
sectors are joining hands to transform the social challenges we face 
into engines of growth. Wage increases, capital investment, and stock 
prices all have attained levels not seen for 30 years.
  The Japanese economy is now making strides by capitalizing on these 
unprecedented and major changes. A growth-oriented Japanese economy 
should also spur even greater investment in the United States, and we 
can then help boost the global economy to steer it toward a strong 
growth trajectory in the years to come.
  Just yesterday, President Biden and I demonstrated our commitment to 
leading the world on the development of the next generation of emerging 
technologies, such as AI, quantum, semiconductors, biotechnology, and 
clean energy.
  The scope of our bilateral cooperation expands to space as well, 
illuminating our path toward a brighter and more hopeful tomorrow. The 
TV broadcast of Apollo 11's lunar landing of 1969 is still seared into 
my memory. Japan's lunar lander mission in January achieved the first 
pinpoint landing in history. Yesterday, President Biden and I announced 
that a Japanese national will be the first non-American astronaut to 
land on the Moon on a future Artemis mission.
  We have two astronauts with us today. Would Mr. Hoshide and Mr. Tani 
please stand.
  Mr. Akihiko Hoshide has flown to space three times and served as 
commander of the International Space Station for 5 months in 2021.
  Next to him is Mr. Daniel Tani. He is a retired Japanese-American 
astronaut who has conducted six space walks and, in his two missions, 
has logged over 50 million miles, which is a lot of frequent flyer 
points.
  Mr. Hoshide and Mr. Tani are living symbols of our collaboration in 
space, and we will have many more such collaborations in the future.
  Thank you, gentlemen.
  Let me close with this final thought. I want you to know how 
seriously Japan takes its role as the United States' closest ally.
  Together, we carry a large responsibility. I believe that we are 
essential to peace, vital to freedom, and fundamental to prosperity.
  Bonded by our beliefs, I pledge to you Japan's firm alliance and 
enduring friendship.
  ``Global Partners for the Future": We are your global partner today, 
and we will be your global partner in the years ahead.
  Thank you for inviting me, thank you for your hospitality, and thank 
you for the role you play in the world.
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  At noon, His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, 
accompanied by the committee of escort, retired from the Hall of the 
House of Representatives.
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms escorted the invited guests 
from the Chamber in the following order:
  The U.S. Secretary of Transportation; and
  The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

                          ____________________