On the recordJuly 14, 2022
Mr. Speaker, I would note if there has to be a Democrat in that seat, there is no Democrat I would rather see than the gentleman from New York. He is a fine gentleman who I have worked with over the years and respect greatly. As the ranking member of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee and a co- chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I would submit that our alliance with the Philippines is one of our most important relationships across the globe. We have partnered with them for over 70 years now, and cooperation between our two nations is just as important today as it has ever been. In the face of territorial aggression in the South China Sea by the People's Liberation Army, which of course is the military wing of the Chinese Communist Party, the CCP, our partnership with the Philippines serves as a geostrategic counterweight to China. As Chairman Xi seeks to control international maritime trade routes, including key waterways like the Luzon Strait, the Philippines remains a critical partner in checking his nefarious ambitions. As with all our strongest alliances, our relationship with the Philippines extends beyond military affairs, for example, to cooperation in law enforcement. Our joint efforts with the Philippines in this regard are really critical to strengthening maritime security as well as tackling the evils of human trafficking and narcotics trafficking.…





