Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined a bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) trip to Hawai‘i, Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and Okinawa.
“I am proud to have joined Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith on this important CODEL to learn, discuss and see first-hand the many security challenges we face in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the opportunities for partnerships and soft power diplomacy in pursuit of peace and prosperity in this region,” stated Representative Tokuda. “Economic security and national security are interwoven, which makes for a far more complicated and nuanced dynamic. I saw that very clearly with each of the allies we visited. We must stand with our allies and partners in deterring aggression and defending our shared values in democracy, freedom, and human rights.”
“Hawai‘i and Guam play increasingly important ‘tip of the spear’ roles in our nation’s posture and readiness in the Indo-Pacific. The United States is essential to future security and stability in the region, a long-term commitment that means not just enhancing our military capabilities but also deepening our relationships with allies and partners, investing in our people, building our infrastructure, and strengthening our communities at home.”
In addition to Rep. Tokuda, the delegation was comprised of Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL), Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), and Delegate Jim Moylan (R-GU).
At each stop, the CODEL met with senior officials to discuss regional security issues and affirmed the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. In Hawai‘i and Guam, the delegation met with senior military leaders and local civilian officials to discuss U.S. efforts in deterring aggression in the region. In the Philippines, the CODEL witnessed firsthand the ongoing efforts to deepen security cooperation and effectively respond to growing aggression in the Western Pacific. In Taiwan, the CODEL met with President Tsai Ing-wen to reaffirm the United States’ and Congress’s commitment to Taiwan’s security and democracy. Lastly, the CODEL visited Tokyo and Okinawa to support the U.S-Japan alliance and efforts to enhance security cooperation.
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