Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express deep concern about the Japanese Government's handling of the case of Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, a U.S. Navy officer stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base. In May 2021, Lieutenant Alkonis and his family were on their way home from hiking on Mount Fuji. Tragically, Lieutenant Alkonis lost control of his vehicle due to acute mountain sickness, causing him to lose consciousness. As a result, two bystanders tragically lost their lives. Lieutenant Alkonis is remorseful for the medical incident that caused the events of that day. He has offered $1.65 million in extrajudicial restitution to the victims' families, a gesture expected in Japan, but far beyond the family's means. Ultimately, Lieutenant Alkonis was sentenced this month by the Japanese high court to 3 years in prison. I have been extremely upset to learn that the case was not conducted in a way that was fair to Lieutenant Alkonis, and that the Japanese Government violated the status of forces agreement, which governs the treatment of our servicemembers there. I understand that our Embassy in Tokyo has been monitoring this case, and I strongly urge them to do more to support a servicemember in need. My office has been working with the Department of the Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to support Lieutenant Alkonis and his parents, Suzanne and Derek, throughout this case. As I do, the Navy believes that this is the wrong sentence for Lieutenant Alkonis.…”