Defense Appropriations Chairman Ken Calvert Leads Bipartisan Delegation to the Pacific Region

Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement after leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation trip to the Pacific region:

“My colleagues and I recognize that America’s future security relies on strong relationships in the Indo-Pacific. To that end, our bipartisan delegation had productive discussions about security and economic issues with officials in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Maintaining strong, cooperative, and strategic partnerships with our allies is the best path to a peaceful future for the region. Due to continued aggression by the governments of China and North Korea, America’s national and economic security are threatened. The best way to deter further aggression is to ensure the U.S. and our allies have the capabilities required to defend themselves. We must also continue to deepen our economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties with these partners. Hearing from those directly engaged in the region help us as Members of the Appropriations Committee make informed funding decisions for the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills. I encourage my colleagues to continue the U.S. dialogue with these partners.”

Chairman Calvert was joined on the trip by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Rep. Edward Case (D-HI), and Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA).

The delegation visited Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, where they held discussions with officials about national security and economic issues.