A bipartisan resolution introduced on Monday by U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Young Kim (R-CA), and Buddy Carter (R-GA) would reaffirm the support of the United States for South Korea and recognize the importance of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea (ROK).
“The US-ROK alliance is based on our shared values of freedom and democracy and has become a vital economic and security partnership that is more important than ever as we see rising threats in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Rep. Kim. “I am proud to join a bipartisan, bicameral delegation to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the US-ROK alliance and look forward to working to strengthen our partnership for years to come.”
House Resolution 318, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), also would reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-ROK relationship as key to safeguarding peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.
“South Korea is the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in Asia and I am proud to join my colleagues in reaffirming our commitment to this important Indo-Pacific ally during the 70th anniversary of our relationship,” Rep. McCaul said.
Additionally, the resolution would reaffirm America’s extended deterrence commitments to the ROK; support ongoing efforts to further strengthen, broaden, and deepen the U.S.-ROK alliance; and call for continued cooperation between both governments in promoting human rights, the summary says.
“For 70 years, the partnership between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea has created rich cultural and economic exchanges,” Rep. Carter said. “Georgia’s First Congressional District is seeing the impacts of this relationship firsthand with the addition of a Hyundai manufacturing plant, which is bringing more than 8,100 jobs to our area. I am excited to welcome our new South Korean neighbors and celebrate continued shared prosperity.”
Among numerous other provisions, H.Res. 318 would call for close coordination to achieve the denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and encourage cooperation among the U.S., the ROK, and Japan.
“I met with President Yoon Suk Yeol during a recent trip to South Korea and will reaffirm our shared goals during his visit to the United States this week,” added Rep. Kim. “As a Korean American who grew up in South Korea in the aftermath of the Korean War, representative of a vibrant Korean American community, and Chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, supporting the US-ROK alliance is personal to me and my work in Congress.”
In addition to the House resolution, a bipartisan companion version is being introduced by U.S. Sens. James Risch (R-ID) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), among others.