Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, Bill Hagerty, Mazie Hirono, and 26 senate colleagues have sent a bipartisan letter to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson, urging him to invite Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to address a Joint Session of Congress during his Official Visit to the United States in April 2024.

In their letter, the senators emphasized the significance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, which is fundamental to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. They highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two countries, noting that Japan is the fifth-largest goods trading partner with the United States and Japanese firms are the second-largest source of foreign direct investment in the country.

The senators also pointed out that inviting Prime Minister Kishida to address Congress would be a timely gesture, as it would coincide with the 64th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and the 5th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement and U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement.

"A strong U.S.-Japan Alliance is more important than ever. Inviting Prime Minister Kishida to address a Joint Session of Congress would further enhance our bilateral diplomatic ties and highlight the shared strategic interests and values between our two nations," concluded the senators in their letter.

The senators who signed the letter include Dan Sullivan, Dick Durbin, Chuck Grassley, Tim Kaine, Tammy Duckworth, John Barrasso, Brian Schatz, Mitt Romney, Michael Bennet, Mike Crapo, Angus King, John Cornyn, Tammy Baldwin, Lisa Murkowski, Kirsten Gillibrand, Todd Young, Richard Blumenthal, Jim Risch, Chris Van Hollen, Steve Daines, Amy Klobuchar, Marsha Blackburn, Jeff Merkley, Thom Tillis, Ted Cruz, and Lindsey Graham.

The U.S.-Japan Alliance has been crucial in addressing regional challenges, such as North Korean nuclear and missile threats, as well as China's aggressive actions in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and other areas.

Inviting Prime Minister Kishida to address a Joint Session of Congress would not only strengthen the diplomatic ties between the United States and Japan but also highlight their shared strategic interests and values.

The senators expressed their gratitude to Speaker Johnson for considering their request and emphasized the importance of this matter.