On the recordFebruary 15, 2018
Madam Speaker, this week commences the Lunar New Year, a time of thankfulness and new beginnings for the United States and many of our Asian partners. Reflecting upon last year's Year of the Rooster, we have enjoyed tremendous political, social, and economic achievements. Filled with enthusiasm for diplomacy and cooperation, we continue to look to our partners in Asia to promote peaceful international relations. During the Year of the Dog, I believe that our friends will continue to embody loyalty, honesty, and integrity, working with us to craft mutually beneficial international policies. In turn, the United States will encourage effective diplomatic behaviors among all of our Asian counterparts. As lawmakers, we have an obligation to protect the interests of the United States, as well as those of our strong allies around the globe, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to continue to work toward policies that will positively shape strong, multinational Asian foreign relations in 2018. ____________________





