Representatives Wagner & Castro Introduce Southeast Asia Strategy Act

Press Release

Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), co-chairs and co-founders of the Congressional Caucus on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), introduced the Southeast Asia Strategy Act to enhance U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia and assure critical partners in the region of the United States' strong support.

"To date, the U.S. has never articulated a comprehensive strategy for the Southeast Asian region," said Congresswoman Wagner. "The Southeast Asia Strategy Act does just that by developing a coherent and clearly communicated regional strategy that addresses all aspects of our critical relationship with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. Congress is working with the Administration to communicate to our friends that the U.S. has their backs as they expand trade and development, secure their borders, strengthen human rights, and defend against Chinese aggression."

"It's been over 40 years since the United States and ASEAN established direct diplomatic relations, marking our shared goals of strengthened security, economic gain, and universal human rights," said Congressman Castro. "I'm pleased to join my fellow ASEAN Caucus co-chair Ann Wagner on the Southeast Asia Strategy Act, which lays out principles of our engagement in the region and with ASEAN, including a commitment to cooperation on democracy, human rights, economic connectivity and security, and requires a multi-year strategy from our State Department. It's critical the United States continues to invest in this strategic relationship and expand our engagement within the Indo-Pacific, and this legislation helps achieve just that."

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