[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 177 (Friday, October 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E994-E995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE REPUBLIC DAY OF KAZAKHSTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 2025

  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs 
Committee's Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, I rise today 
alongside my colleague and Ranking Member, Ms. Kamlager-Dove of 
California, to honor and congratulate the people of Kazakhstan as they 
mark the Republic Day of Kazakhstan, which commemorates Kazakhstan's 
declaration of sovereignty independent of the Soviet Union on October 
25, 1990. The United States has remained committed to Kazakhstan's 
sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Now, as a valued 
strategic partner of the United States, our nations work together to 
advance security, peace, and prosperity.
  Kazakhstan inherited a massive nuclear stockpile and legacy sites for 
chemical and biological weapons research following the dissolution of 
the Soviet Union. The voluntary commitment to rapidly remove these 
weapons from its territory and accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty 
and other key arms control measures was a model for the region and the 
world. Kazakhstan has also made significant contributions to UN 
peacekeeping missions, including independent deployments of 
peacekeepers from 2024. Efforts such as these to

[[Page E995]]

counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent 
radicalization to violence, in addition to cooperation to combat the 
persistent threat of terrorism, support stability and security in both 
Central Asia and the wider world.
  U.S. companies remain the largest source of foreign direct investment 
in Kazakhstan, helping build resilient supply chains, driving 
Kazakhstan's economic diversification, supply chain resiliency, and 
sustainable economic development. Last month, our two nations announced 
the largest locomotive deal in history between Wabtec Corporation and 
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. Valued at $4.2 billion, this landmark deal is a 
symbol of American innovation and manufacturing leadership, as well as 
Kazakhstan's desire to deepen cooperation with American firms. 
Kazakhstan offers abundant potential for future investment 
opportunities--including critical minerals, rare earths, civilian 
nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, and manufacturing. We reiterate our 
commitment to advancing the repeal of the outdated Jackson-Vanik 
Amendment, which will allow us to fully realize the potential of this 
relationship. We also applaud Kazakhstan's efforts to position itself 
as a key Eurasian transit hub. We believe it is in our shared interest 
to improve Central Asian connectivity with global markets to boost 
supply chain resilience and seek ways to support the realization of the 
Trans-Caspian ``Middle Corridor,'' which begins in Kazakhstan and runs 
through Azerbaijan to global markets beyond. In addition to continued 
dialogue to safeguard critical technologies and improve the investment 
climate, we hope that the ongoing constitutional and political reform 
process in Kazakhstan, initiated in 2022, will strengthen governance 
and human rights.
  On the occasion of Kazakhstan's Republic Day, we can reflect on our 
enduring friendship and the bright future of our strategic partnership. 
We look forward to continued high-level engagement with Kazakhstan, 
both bilaterally and in multilateral fora. In particular, we believe 
the anticipated C5+1 Leaders' Summit in Washington, D.C. would be a 
pivotal opportunity to strengthen longstanding United States 
cooperation with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and Representative Kamlager-Dove in 
honoring the Kazakhstan Republic Day.

                          ____________________