Bruce Westerman: “The United States stands as a beacon of freedom with a mission to protect the inalienable rights for which many have…”

“The United States stands as a beacon of freedom with a mission to protect the inalienable rights for which many have given their lives. This mission rings from the mountains to the prairies, across our oceans, and across the globe. This month, the Indo-Pacific Task Force was assembled to evaluate Chinese attempts to usurp our interests in the Pacific. China is a threat to our democracy, and they are attempting to gain a foothold not only in Cuba but also within our territories across the Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions. To combat this hostility, our bipartisan team was assembled to support our territories and friends in the Freely Associated States to counter the communist influence. Protecting our territories and our friends is paramount. I ask Congress to engage in this effort fully, heed the suggestions of the Indo-Pacific Task Force, and work together to strengthen our territories and deter Chinese influence in the Pacific and here at home. ____________________”