Southeast Asia Strategies Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1083, the Southeast Asia Strategy Act, important legislation that I introduced to ensure the United States engages proactively and meaningfully in a critical region of the world.

This powerhouse region joins the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean regions and serves as a conduit for global trade. The Southeast Asian states are increasingly vital to the prosperity of the U.S. economy, generating hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

The People's Republic of China, eager to undermine U.S. interests in this key region, is aggressively working to expand its influence in Southeast Asia. It seeks to exploit its predatory investment, development, and trade policies; illegal military installations in the South China Sea; and disinformation campaigns to coerce countries to accept its agenda.

The United States has long enjoyed strong relations with Southeast Asia, and it must now fully realize this strategic partnership. The Southeast Asia Strategic Act will ensure the United States develops and communicates a coherent regional strategy that addresses all aspects of the relationship, from trade and humanitarian goals to diplomatic and security arrangements.

We have a national interest in sustaining U.S. leadership in Southeast Asia, supporting human rights and respect for democratic freedoms, and articulating our strategic priorities.

We will find willing partners in our many friends and allies in the region that share our grave concerns regarding China's belligerence and growing power.

I thank Representative Castro, with whom I co-chair the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN, for working with me on this legislation. Congress' strong bipartisan support for U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia sends an unmistakable message of American resolve and leadership to the region.

Madam Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1083, the Southeast Asia Strategy Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source