February 03, 2017

U.S.-Japan Caucus Launches for 115th Congress

Washington, D.C. – Today, Co-Chairs Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Dave Reichert (WA-08) announced the launch of the U.S.-Japan Caucus for the 115th Congress. The U.S.-Japan Caucus is a bipartisan congressional organization with more than 100 members who are dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.

“The United States and Japan should build on the progress of recent years to position our partnership for 21st century engagement,” said founding Co-Chair Joaquin Castro. “I look forward to working with my fellow Caucus members to focus Congress’ attention on the Asia-Pacific region and deepen relationships with our counterparts in the Diet. Forming these bonds will help ensure the next generation of legislators embrace and sustain our security alliance and economic partnership. Our nations are stronger when we work together. In this time of uncertainty around the world, the United States and Japan must remain close friends and partners in advancing peace and prosperity.”

“Japan is a good friend and a strategic ally,” said Congressman Dave Reichert. “As one of our leading trading partners and an important economic force in the Asia-Pacific region, maintaining and strengthening our relationship with Japan is critical to not only securing a strong economic future for our country, but also to our nation’s and the region’s security. I look forward to working with Co-Chair Joaquin Castro and colleagues on the caucus to build on the strong foundation and shared values between our two nations.”

Playing a key role in the United States’ strategic rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific, Japan cooperates closely with the United States on a wide range of issues, including international development assistance, humanitarian aid, global health, and nuclear nonproliferation. Japan, the fourth-largest trading partner with the United States, is the world’s third largest economy and a major hub for technological innovation.

The U.S.-Japan Caucus aims to facilitate bilateral collaboration on matters of common interest between our two countries, including trade, foreign direct investment, regional stability, military cooperation, energy, technological development, and the environment. The Caucus collaborates with other entities and stakeholders that share this same objective.

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