HDP CODEL to Japan, Philippines, Qatar, and Finland
The House Democracy Partnership, led by Chairman Vern Buchanan, traveled to INDOPACOM, Japan, the Philippines, Qatar, and Finland to engage in a series of dialogues with leaders and parliamentarians on relations with the United States in the context of the many ongoing conflicts abroad. These high-level parliamentary, military, and executive exchanges offered the opportunity for the Members of Congress to gain insight on regional tensions. The delegation included Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL), and Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN).
During the visit to INDOPACOM, the delegation held a classified roundtable with senior leadership before meeting with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the Indo-Pacific Fleet.
In Tokyo, Japan, Members engaged in a bilateral dialogue with their colleagues from the Japanese Legislative Diet, including Karen Makishima, the Chair Diet International Cooperation Committee, and Furuya Keiji, Chair Diet Japan-Taiwan Caucus. The delegation met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, for classified briefings.
In Manila, the Philippines, the delegation stayed for a short time but gained much knowledge on efforts to bolster the U.S.-Philippines relationship from the U.S. Embassy and Ambassador Carlson. Relations are particularly critical during the PRC’s ongoing encroachment in the South China Sea.
The delegation engaged in a series of briefings in Doha, Qatar, on the U.S. military’s relationship with Qatar and the broader regional operations amid growing conflict including with top military leadership and U.S. Ambassador Timmy Davis. Members then had the opportunity to have lunch with troops from their home state and learn more about their daily lives at Al Udeid Air Base. After a classified walkthrough of the Air Force Command Center, the delegation departed for Helsinki, Finland.
In Finland, the delegation met with Members of Parliament from the U.S. Friendship Caucus and Speaker of Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho, to discuss parliament’s role in managing the threat from Russia as well as opportunities for parliament to lead legislative strengthening efforts in the region. Later, Members met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb for a high-level engagement on U.S.-Finland relations. Finally, Members toured a civil defense shelter to see how the country is preparing for possible regional conflict amid discussions of Finland’s NATO membership.
HDP looks forward to continuing engagement with these important countries.
