Joaquin Castro: “I thank Ranking Member Engel for yielding me this time and also thank Chairman Royce for all of his work in this region…”

“I thank Ranking Member Engel for yielding me this time and also thank Chairman Royce for all of his work in this region of the world. Representative Wagner and I cofounded the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations, earlier this year to deepen the United States' and Congress' engagement with Southeast Asia. H. Res. 311, the resolution we are considering here today, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN. It also marks 40 years of relations between the United States and ASEAN. This measure highlights the work ASEAN has done towards improving stability, prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia. It also speaks to the importance of continued security cooperation, economic partnership, and cultural engagement between the United States and ASEAN. ASEAN serves as an example of successful regional cooperation. The nations of Southeast Asia, despite distinct histories, cultures, and religions, have placed their faith in cooperation rather than conflict. U.S. security interests in Southeast Asia are wide-ranging and supported by many regional partners. Members of ASEAN have worked closely with the United States to address our mutual concerns. The member states of ASEAN also hold significant economic promise, and our economic relationship underpins much of U.S. engagement in the region. My home State of Texas, for example, exports over $13 billion worth of goods to ASEAN countries every year.…”