Southeast Asia Strategies Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan Southeast Asia Strategy Act, of which I am a proud Democratic lead on the bill.

In 2017, Congresswoman Wagner and I cofounded the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN to strengthen our Nation's relationships in Southeast Asia. ASEAN and its member nations are of critical importance to the United States. Enduring organizations like ASEAN will be key to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The United States is already making key investments in the region alongside allies and partners like Japan, Australia, and India-- notably, the recent Quad commitment to fund, manufacture, and distribute vaccines across Southeast Asia.

The Southeast Asia Strategy Act will build on these investments by reinforcing ASEAN centrality as U.S. policy and directing the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive plan for engaging the institution and the region it represents.

This legislation comes at a crucial time for Southeast Asia, notably amidst the deteriorating situation in Myanmar following the recent military coup.

Given the significant and rapidly developing events in the region, Congress must send a message of the importance of the region by passing this bill.

It is also important that the administration nominates a U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN as quickly as possible. It is also imperative that the administration consistently sends senior officials to regional summits. Our Nation needs a voice in Southeast Asia now more than ever.

I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation and help build stronger ties between the United States and the peoples of Southeast Asia. I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing.

H.R. 1083, the Southeast Asia Strategies Act, introduced by Mrs. Wagner, is important legislation that will recommit the United States to strengthening and deepening our ties to southeast Asia and the ASEAN economic union. This bill will reinforce the United States' cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific region and lay the groundwork for improved engagement and increased prosperity for America and its partner nations.

Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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