119-hres653

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 653 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

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119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 653

Expressing support for the Japanese Diet's Caucus for Universal Values 
 in the Indo-Pacific and for continued United States-Japan 
 interparliamentary collaboration to advance democracy in the region.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 August 15, 2025

Mr. Castro of Texas (for himself, Ms. Titus, Mr. Smith of Nebraska, and 
Mr. Buchanan) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
 the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the Japanese Diet's Caucus for Universal Values 
 in the Indo-Pacific and for continued United States-Japan 
 interparliamentary collaboration to advance democracy in the region.

Whereas the United States and Japan share a steadfast commitment to democratic 
 principles including representative Government, respect for human 
 rights, the rule of law, Government accountability, economic freedom, 
 and free civil society;
Whereas this shared commitment has served as a cornerstone of the United States-
 Japan alliance, the cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and stability in 
 the Indo-Pacific region;
Whereas Japan has demonstrated a commitment to supporting democratic governance 
 and institutions in the Indo-Pacific and worldwide;
Whereas the Japan Center for International Exchange, and its partner 
 organizations, through its Democracy for the Future program, has worked 
 to strengthen Japan's support for democratic governance;
Whereas a multipartisan group of Japanese Diet members has launched the ``Caucus 
 for Universal Values in the Indo-Pacific'' on May 15, 2025, to advocate 
 for Japan's leadership in defending and promoting democratic values 
 across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond;
Whereas the Caucus for Universal Values seeks to deepen parliamentary 
 engagement, encourage Government leadership on democracy and human 
 rights, and strengthen partnerships with civil society and international 
 partners, including the United States;
Whereas the 109th Congress adopted H. Res. 135, establishing a House Democracy 
 Assistance Commission, eventually renamed the United States House 
 Democracy Partnership, as a bipartisan commission that works directly 
 with legislatures around the world to support the development of 
 effective, independent, and accountable legislative institutions, and 
 whose work aligns closely with the goals of the Japanese parliamentary 
 caucus; and
Whereas the United States and Japan, as global champions of democratic 
 governance, face increasing challenges posed by authoritarian influence, 
 democratic backsliding, digital repression, and threats to independent 
 civil society and journalism: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) commends the establishment of the ``Caucus for 
 Universal Values in the Indo-Pacific'';

    (2) acknowledges the role of the Japan Center for 
 International Exchange and its partner organizations in 
 advancing democratic values and supporting civil society 
 throughout the United States, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific;

    (3) affirms the shared commitment of the United States and 
 Japan to uphold democratic norms including respect for human 
 rights, freedom of expression, free and fair elections, checks 
 and balances, and the rule of law as foundations of peace, 
 stability, and prosperity;

    (4) encourages expanded collaboration between the United 
 States Congress and the Japanese Diet through initiatives such 
 as the House Democracy Partnership to support emerging and 
 challenged democracies and reinforce democratic institutions 
 globally;

    (5) supports greater bilateral coordination between the 
 United States House of Representatives and the Japanese Diet on 
 initiatives that strengthen democratic governance, civil 
 society, the protection of fundamental freedoms, and resilience 
 against authoritarian threats in the Indo-Pacific region;

    (6) affirms the importance of engaging with regional and 
 international partners to elevate democratic values as a 
 central pillar of United States foreign policy; and

    (7) commits to working alongside Japanese partners in 
 Government and civil society to advance universal values and 
 build a resilient democratic future in the Indo-Pacific and 
 around the world.
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