[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 11380-11384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




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

  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (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.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.

[[Page 11381]]

  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1464

       Whereas January 19, 2010, marked the 50th anniversary of 
     the signing of the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual 
     Cooperation and Security which has played an indispensable 
     role in ensuring the security and prosperity of both the 
     United States and Japan, as well as in promoting regional 
     peace and stability;
       Whereas the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual 
     Cooperation and Security, a cornerstone of United States 
     security interests in the Asia-Pacific region in general and 
     of the United States-Japan alliance, specifically, entered 
     into force on June 23, 1960;
       Whereas the robust forward presence of the United States 
     Armed Forces in Japan, including in Okinawa, provides the 
     deterrence and capabilities necessary for the defense of 
     Japan and for the maintenance of Asia-Pacific peace, 
     prosperity, and regional stability;
       Whereas the United States-Japan alliance has allowed the 
     United States and Japan to become the world's two largest 
     economies, with Japan occupying the position of the United 
     States fourth-largest trading partner;
       Whereas the United States-Japan alliance has encouraged 
     Japan to play a larger role on the world stage and make 
     important contributions to stability around the world;
       Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is based upon 
     shared values, democratic ideals, free markets, and a mutual 
     respect for human rights, individual liberties, and the rule 
     of law;
       Whereas the hosting by Japan of approximately 36,000 
     members of the United States Armed Forces has been a source 
     of stability for both Japan and the Asia-Pacific region;
       Whereas, on May 1, 2006, the United States-Japan Roadmap 
     for Realignment Implementation (hereinafter referred to as 
     ``the Roadmap'') was approved in which Japan agreed to 
     provide $6,090,000,000 including $2,800,000,000 in direct 
     cash contributions, for projects to develop facilities and 
     infrastructure on Guam for the relocation of approximately 
     8,000 III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) personnel and 
     their approximately 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam;
       Whereas the Roadmap will lead to a new phase in alliance 
     cooperation and reduce the burden on local communities, 
     especially those on Okinawa, thereby providing the basis for 
     enhanced public support for the United States-Japan alliance;
       Whereas the Guam International Agreement, signed by 
     Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and then-Japanese 
     Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone on February 17, 2009, 
     reinforces the May 2006 Roadmap to realign the United States 
     Armed Forces in Japan and strengthen the alliance;
       Whereas, on May 28, 2010, the United States-Japan Security 
     Consultative Committee (SCC) reconfirmed its commitment to 
     the 2006 Roadmap and the February 17, 2009, Guam 
     International Agreement for the realignment of the United 
     States Armed Forces in Japan;
       Whereas the United States-Japan security arrangements 
     underpin cooperation on a wide range of global and regional 
     issues as well as foster prosperity in the Asia-Pacific 
     region;
       Whereas Japan has contributed significantly to the 
     stabilization of South Asia with a pledge in November 2009 to 
     provide $5,000,000,000 in economic assistance to Afghanistan 
     over the next 5 years, becoming the second largest 
     international contributor to Afghanistan, and with a pledge 
     in April 2009 to provide $1,000,000,000 to Pakistan over the 
     next 2 years;
       Whereas in 2010, Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force is 
     sending a ship to Vietnam and Cambodia from May until July to 
     participate in the United States Navy's Pacific Partnership, 
     an annual medical aid mission aimed at enhancing Asia-Pacific 
     countries' capabilities in disaster relief, extending medical 
     support, and carrying out cultural exchanges;
       Whereas the Government of Japan provided rapid and selfless 
     humanitarian aid to the Republic of Haiti, including sending 
     a Japan Self Defense Force unit to carry out disaster relief 
     activities, specifically medical activities, with regard to 
     the earthquake of January 2010;
       Whereas North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear 
     programs present a direct and imminent threat to Japan, 
     including long-range missiles fired over northern Japan on 
     August 31, 1998, and April 5, 2009;
       Whereas Japan has been a staunch ally in United States 
     diplomatic efforts to denuclearize North Korea, having moved 
     forward United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 
     during Japan's Presidency of the United Nations Security 
     Council in October 2006; and
       Whereas North Korea's abduction of innocent Japanese 
     civilians during the 1970s and 1980s represents a continuing 
     tragedy for the victims and their family members and must 
     remain a major human rights concern of the United States 
     Government: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes Japan as an indispensable security partner 
     of the United States in providing peace, prosperity, and 
     stability to the Asia-Pacific region;
       (2) recognizes that the broad support and understanding of 
     the Japanese people are indispensable for the stationing of 
     the United States Armed Forces in Japan, the core element of 
     the United States-Japan security arrangements that protect 
     both Japan and the Asia-Pacific region from external threats 
     and instability;
       (3) expresses its appreciation to the people of Japan, and 
     especially on Okinawa, for their continued hosting of the 
     United States Armed Forces;
       (4) encourages Japan to continue its international 
     engagement in humanitarian, development, and environmental 
     issues; and
       (5) anticipates another 50 years of unshakeable friendship 
     and deepening cooperation under the auspices of the United 
     States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the United 
States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, which entered 
into force on June 23, 1960. This treaty formed the basis for the 
presence of U.S. Armed Forces in Japan, which has contributed to 
Japan's security and prosperity and to regional peace and stability.
  Our alliance with Japan has advanced American interests by ensuring a 
stable balance of power in the Asia- Pacific region, providing a 
platform for managing tensions on the Korean peninsula and serving as a 
means to enlist Japan's cooperation on regional and global security 
issues.
  For example, Japan is the second largest international contributor to 
Afghanistan, pledging $5 million in economic assistance over the next 5 
years.

                              {time}  1330

  Japan sent rapid humanitarian aid to Haiti, and the Japanese Self-
Defense Force provided medical relief following the earthquake there 
this past January.
  Japan to this day remains a steadfast ally with the United States in 
combating the nuclear threat from North Korea and responding to the 
North's provocative behavior.
  The success of our alliance with Japan would not have been possible 
without Japan's broad support and understanding, and I would like to 
thank the Government of Japan and the Japanese people, and especially 
the people of Okinawa where I taught for 2 years, for their continued 
hosting of American Armed Forces in Japan. I taught the children of 
these Armed Forces.
  While Japan is an important partner and friend and we agree on many 
important issues, there is one important matter on which we disagree: 
the issue of American children taken to Japan by one parent against the 
wishes of the other parent. This issue is a very real and serious 
concern for those left-behind parents and for those of us representing 
them here in Congress. It is imperative that our two governments create 
the best possible situation for these tragic cases to be resolved, not 
only for the sake of those families but to ensure that U.S.-Japan 
relations continue on a positive trajectory.
  As we commemorate this week the 50th anniversary of our alliance with 
Japan, we know that the importance of this alliance remains as vital as 
ever, even if the treaty's original Cold War backdrop has long faded 
from view. We only have to look at North Korea's belligerent actions 
over the past few years to be reminded of the relevance of the U.S.-
Japan security treaty. Now is the right time to pursue an ambitious, 
forward-looking agenda to ensure that the

[[Page 11382]]

fundamentals of the alliance remain in place and to expand our security 
cooperation to meet the many challenges of the 21st century.
  I would like to thank my friend, the distinguished gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), the ranking member of the House Committee 
on Foreign Affairs, for introducing this resolution, and I urge all of 
my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of this resolution recognizing the mutual benefits 
for the United States and Japan of a treaty which went into effect 
exactly 50 years ago today. The Asia Pacific region was a dangerous 
neighborhood a half a century ago. The United States and our allies had 
just fought the first hot battles of the Cold War on the Korean 
peninsula. Tensions were high in the Taiwan Strait, and the war in 
Vietnam was just then emerging on the horizon.
  A half century later, Asia, while now the prosperous trading hub of 
the world, is still dangerous. One need only look to the recent 
torpedoing of a South Korean naval vessel by a reckless North Korea to 
recognize that the Asia Pacific region is not yet truly pacific.
  Through all the perils in the Pacific, the United States-Japan Treaty 
of Mutual Cooperation and Security has stood as a cornerstone of a 
continued regional peace and prosperity. None of this would be possible 
without the contribution of the people of Japan, and especially those 
on Okinawa, through their continued hosting of our proud U.S. Armed 
Forces.
  The smooth transition from bitter adversaries to full partners is a 
tribute to the resiliency and the farsightedness of two peoples on 
opposite sides of the Pacific: the people of the United States and the 
people of Japan. The recent reaffirmation of the commitment to full 
implementation of the 2006 Roadmap and the Guam International Agreement 
for realignment of U.S. Armed Forces in Japan is a concrete step 
forward in cementing this crucial alliance.
  The mutual cooperation promised in the treaty 50 years ago, however, 
extends far beyond the Japanese islands. When the U.S. looked for 
partners in dealing with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in 
Haiti earlier this year, Japan's Self-Defense Forces were there working 
with their American counterparts.
  On the critical issue of the stabilization of the volatile situation 
in South Asia, Japan has been a generous contributor in economic 
assistance to both Afghanistan and Pakistan. And Japan has been a 
stalwart ally in our U.S. efforts to end the proliferation of nuclear 
weapons and missile technology by the reckless regime in Pyongyang.
  Both within the United Nations and during the Six-Party process in 
Beijing, Japan has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its American ally in 
opposing continued North Korean nuclear brinksmanship. North Korean 
threats and aggression continue. We should immediately re-list North 
Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. This is both because of 
Pyongyang's past abductions of Japanese citizens and because of North 
Korea's continued links to terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. 
There is no greater signal that this administration can send to the 
Japanese people in this treaty anniversary year than acting 
expeditiously to hold North Korea fully accountable for such terrorist 
activities.
  I join in the anticipation expressed in this resolution of another 50 
years of unshakable friendship and deepening cooperation with the 
people of Japan.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H. Res. 1464, which recognizes the 50th anniversary of the 
conclusion of the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and 
Security, and expresses appreciation to the Japanese government and 
people for their contribution to peace, prosperity and security in the 
Asia-Pacific area of the world. I am proud of the legacy of this 
treaty, which has enabled the U.S. and Japan to establish and maintain 
an alliance that has been vital to the stability of the Asia-Pacific 
region and the economic strength of both parties. Fifty years after the 
signing of the treaty, the U.S. can count Japan among its foremost 
allies.
  Looking back at the American-Japanese relationship over the last 
century, the distance our nations have come from the wartime hostility 
of the 1940s and the tensions of the 1950s is praiseworthy and 
inspirational. Today, Japan is the fourth-largest trading partner of 
the U.S., and the security and support the U.S. has provided to Japan 
have enabled greater Japanese participation in humanitarian, economic, 
and environmental issues at home and abroad.
  As the Japanese government takes commendable action toward the 
denuclearization of North Korea, it is important that the U.S. continue 
to aid Japan and its neighbor states in their stand against the North 
Korean regime. Japan has also shown exemplary leadership in the Asia-
Pacific region, contributing generously to earthquake relief efforts in 
Haiti, economic programs in Afghanistan, and the U.S. Navy's Pacific 
Partnership.
  As the world's two largest economic powerhouses and staunch military 
allies, Japan and the U.S. have profited immeasurably from the past 50 
years of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. I look forward 
to the future of the partnership of our two nations, with high hopes 
for what we can accomplish together.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
support of the resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the 
conclusion of the United Sates-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.
  The U.S.-Japan alliance has been tremendously beneficial to our two 
nations. It has affirmed our shared values and bolstered peace and 
stability in the Asia-Pacific region. This year, on the 50th 
anniversary of the establishment of the United Sates-Japan Treaty of 
Mutual Cooperation and Security, we have the chance to celebrate all 
our two nations have achieved and all we will achieve in the future.
  Since its inception, the U.S.-Japan alliance has had to deal with an 
increasingly unpredictable global security landscape. Throughout 
decades of Cold War to more recent terrorist threats, our alliance has 
remained strong. This lends a context of security that has allowed the 
Asia-Pacific region to thrive. Thanks to this important alliance, we 
can anticipate greater international cooperation in the future, both 
within Asia and between Asia and the U.S.
  Another reason our alliance with Japan has been and continues to be 
so effective is that it is supported by our two countries' common 
democratic and humanitarian values. In 2009, both Japan and the U.S. 
ranked among the top five nations providing foreign aid. In honoring 
what this alliance has done for both our great nations, we are also 
reiterating our commitment to provide needed humanitarian relief in the 
Asian-Pacific region and all over the world.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this resolution honoring our 
alliance with Japan and expressing our heartfelt thanks to the 
government of Japan and the Japanese people.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1464, a 
Resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary 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.
  For over 50 years, Japan has served as one of our most dependable and 
consistent allies. The nation has hosted over 36,000 members of the 
United States Armed Forces, promoting regional stability and security 
in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan has been a staunch supporter in our 
efforts to denuclearize North Korea. The nation has recently emerged as 
a proactive force in rebuilding third world countries in efforts to 
curtail the influence of terror cells. In November of 2009, Japan 
pledged over six billion dollars in economic assistance to Pakistan and 
Afghanistan in support of our missions in those countries. This special 
alliance has allowed Japan to establish a prominent role in the global 
community, further contributing to regional and global stability.
  The U.S.-Japan alliance has bolstered both nations, making them two 
of the world's largest and most influential economies. Mutual 
cooperation has made Japan our fourth-largest trading partner. Apart 
from strengthening trade with the U.S., Japan has aided our 
international initiatives as well. Japan provided over six billion 
dollars to Guam to develop infrastructure and facilities. This valuable 
ally supports not only our economy, but those of our allies as well.

[[Page 11383]]

  I am pleased with what Japan has grown to represent. Japan is a 
beacon of democratic thought and practice in the Asia-Pacific region. 
The Japanese government shares our ideals, values, and commitment to 
civil liberties. Despite the constant challenges facing the 
international community and the region, Japan has held steadfast in her 
commitment to egalitarian values and world peace.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to join me today in recognizing and supporting our continuing alliance 
by supporting this Resolution.
  Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of recognizing the 
50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and 
Security. This agreement laid the cornerstone for reintegrating Japan 
into the community of free nations and helped insure Japan's long-term 
security and prosperity. It also resulted in formerly establishing an 
alliance that facilitates the forward deployment of about 36,000 U.S. 
troops and other U.S. military assets in the Asia-Pacific to undergird 
U.S. national security strategy in the region. Too many times, we take 
our friends for granted. It wasn't obvious 50 years ago that this 
agreement would pass the Japanese Diet. But on June 19, 1960, this 
agreement became operational after much boisterous opposition.
  Thus, it is appropriate that the House recognize and thank our 
Japanese friends for the role this agreement has played in advancing 
peace, prosperity, and security in the Pacific Rim. It allowed a 
country devastated by war to eventually become the fourth largest 
economy in the world and the fourth largest export market for U.S. 
products.
  I deeply appreciate and value our strategic and economic relationship 
with Japan. Despite the change in the Japanese government, this 
agreement still remains as a cornerstone of our relationship. I was 
greatly honored that the Japanese Ambassador paid a visit to northern 
Illinois last April where we saw first-hand the role that Japanese 
foreign investment played in saving many jobs in this region, such as 
the Nissan forklift manufacturing facility in Marengo. We also examined 
possible new opportunities for trade and investment.
  I want to commend my ranking Member, Representative Ros-Lehtinen, for 
bringing this resolution to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to 
support H. Res. 1464.
  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th 
Anniversary of the First Japanese Diplomatic Mission to the United 
States as the Museum for the City of New York pays tribute to Samurai 
in New York--The First Japanese Delegation, 1860.
  On March 17, 1860, exactly 150 years ago today, a sailing ship flying 
a flag never before seen in North America entered the Golden Gate. It 
was the Kanrin Maru, the first Japanese ship ever to cross the Pacific 
on its arrival to San Francisco, California. Japan had been closed to 
the rest of the world for more than 200 years until 1854, when 
Commodore Matthew Perry and his squadron of American warships forced 
the Japanese to open their doors to trade.
  The Kanrin Maru had a difficult and stormy 37-day voyage from Japan 
when it set sail in the winter of 1860. During its time of isolation, 
the Japanese had had no oceangoing ships and only one member of the 
Japanese crew had ever been beyond the sight of land. This epic voyage 
continued until the ship arrived in San Francisco, when the crew's 
first appearance was revealed on American soil.
  At that time, San Franciscans were familiar with the Chinese 
immigrants in California, but were amazed to see this delegation of 
distinguished men, so noted by the senior man aboard, Admiral Yoshitake 
Kimura, who had a shaved head and a topknot in the manner of a samurai. 
It was also observed and reported by the San Francisco Evening Bulletin 
that there had been important officers who carried two swords and were 
obsessed with etiquette. It is also noted that these men always wore 
robes and never wore hats.
  On the other hand, the Japanese were surprised that San Franciscans 
walked on expensive rugs with their muddy boots. They were astonished 
that the powerful governor of California traveled without an escort of 
retainers and that Americans used horses to pull their carriages. They 
were also amazed that American men treated women as equals.
  Twelve days after the arrival of the Kanrin Maru, the USS Powhatan 
arrived bringing the first Japanese Embassy to the United States to 
ratify the new treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between 
the United States and Japan. Sent by the Tokugawa Shogunate were three 
Ambassadors, Masaoki Shinmi, Norimasa Muragaki and Tadamasa Oguri whom 
headed the mission to exchange instruments of ratification of the 
Treaty of Amity and Commerce. The delegation also included a group of 
approximately eighty samurai diplomats. The delegation officially 
arrived in San Francisco on March 29, stopped in Washington, DC on May 
14 via Panama, then went on to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and, finally, 
to New York.
  The arrival of the Japanese in Washington DC was a major event, and 
Congress granted a $50,000 budget, almost $1.5 million in today's 
dollars, to entertain them. On March 28th, the mission paid its 
official visit to President James Buchanan.
  On June 18, 1860, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers packed the 
streets of Manhattan to watch the sword-toting samurai parade on 
Broadway during the diplomatic two-week stay in New York. The 
unprecedented throng of New Yorkers lined the parade route from Lower 
Manhattan to Union Square, hoping to glimpse the exotic visitors. The 
great Walt Whitman was on hand and composed a poem in their honor. The 
city hosted a grand civic ball for 10,000, and members of New York 
society vied to entertain the visiting Japanese diplomats. Mayor Wood 
and the Common Council of New York held a reception in honor of the 
Japanese ambassadors in the Governor's Room at City Hall.
  New Yorkers and the popular press were overcome with Japan mania, 
especially for the youngest member of the group, seventeen-year-old 
translator Tateishi Onojiro, also known as ``Tommy.'' With the 
appearance of the popular song, the ``Tommy Polka,'' the ``Tommy'' boom 
outlasted the departure of the delegation itself. For their part, the 
Japanese delegation studied American industry and technology, learned 
about its government and customs, and brought back ideas that would 
help fuel Japan's emergence on the world stage.
  Madam Speaker, although largely forgotten today, the Japanese 1860 
Samurai Mission was to ratify the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and 
Navigation, which had been signed several years earlier. The agreement 
opened the ports of Edo and four other Japanese cities to American 
trade, among other stipulations. In the years before the Civil War, the 
Japanese visitors captivated the American people and the press. This 
first face-to-face cultural exchange between, the Japanese and everyday 
Americans was one of the most elaborated spectacles of its time.
  As Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation and on behalf of my 
colleagues and all of the residents of my district, we are honored to 
join Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya, Consul General of Japan in New 
York, James G. Dinan and Susan Henshaw Jones in celebrating Samurai in 
New York--The First Japanese Delegation, 1860 at Harlem's beloved 
Museum of the City of New York.
  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

[[Page 11384]]

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.
  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 
1464, which commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the 
Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and affirms our alliance with 
Japan and commitment to peace and prosperity for the U.S. and Japan, as 
well as the Asia-Pacific region.
  The U.S.-Japan Alliance, rooted in our shared values and democratic 
ideals, provides a climate of stability for East Asia that has enabled 
all nations of the region to develop and prosper. I do believe the time 
has come to rethink our large military footprint near Okinawa. The 
Japanese are our partners and allies; a large military presence within 
their country is likely seen by a younger generation as unnecessary and 
unwelcome.
  The U.S. and Japan should enhance regional cooperation in the Asia-
Pacific region. We should work together to respond to natural disasters 
and to provide humanitarian relief in the region. We must make efforts 
to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and seek 
the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. We must 
deepen our cooperation and strengthen our Alliance.
  As the Treaty marks its 50th Anniversary, I urge my colleagues to 
support this resolution to recommit ourselves to further build a strong 
and cohesive U.S.-Japanese Alliance.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1464.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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