House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation abroad to meet with leaders in Japan, South Korea and China through April 27.
The delegation will focus on economic growth and trade, regional security challenges and ways to strengthen alliances in the region.
“While the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has raised new concerns about security in Europe, the United States must also remain engaged in promoting peace and stability in Asia,” Cantor said. “Our investment in Asia’s future is an investment in our own prosperity. I look forward to a productive dialogue with Japanese, Korean, and Chinese leaders about the importance of free trade and free markets, as well as our shared interests in promoting stability in the region and confronting North Korean provocations.”
The congressional delegation includes Reps. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.), Kay Granger (R-Texas) and Aaron Schock (R-Ill.).
“Strong and healthy relationships are vital to opening new markets for American-made products,” Ryan said. “And given the security challenges we face in Asia, I especially look forward to meeting with the troops on the front lines in Japan and South Korea.”
Meehan said the delegation has an opportunity to strengthen strategic and economic ties with allies in the region.
“It is also a chance to engage the leadership of these nations on the issue of cybersecurity and address growing threats to our critical infrastructure and networks,” Meehan said.
Granger said she looked forward to participating in discussing economic matters to national security with international leaders during the trip.
Schock said reports that Illinois has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation and stagnant wages makes international trade a priority.
“Expanding new markets for American farmers and manufacturers must be a top priority,” Schock said. “I look forward to working with our Asian allies, the White House and other congressional leaders to supply emerging economies with American products, generating much-needed jobs and economic growth here at home.”