Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan Southeast Asia Strategy Act, of which I am a proud Democratic lead on the bill. In 2017, Congresswoman Wagner and I cofounded the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN to strengthen our Nation's relationships in Southeast Asia. ASEAN and its member nations are of critical importance to the United States. Enduring organizations like ASEAN will be key to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States is already making key investments in the region alongside allies and partners like Japan, Australia, and India-- notably, the recent Quad commitment to fund, manufacture, and distribute vaccines across Southeast Asia. The Southeast Asia Strategy Act will build on these investments by reinforcing ASEAN centrality as U.S. policy and directing the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive plan for engaging the institution and the region it represents. This legislation comes at a crucial time for Southeast Asia, notably amidst the deteriorating situation in Myanmar following the recent military coup. Given the significant and rapidly developing events in the region, Congress must send a message of the importance of the region by passing this bill. It is also important that the administration nominates a U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN as quickly as possible. It is also imperative that the administration consistently sends senior officials to regional summits.…”