U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) and Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) are continuing to show their support for Taiwan after visiting the island last week.
Rogers, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, led a congressional delegation to Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan.
It’s wheels down for one of the largest #US🇺🇸 congressional delegations to #Taiwan🇹🇼 in years! The group focusing on security affairs comprises House Armed Services Committee Chair @RepMikeRogersAL, Ranking Member @RepAdamSmith & 7 other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle! pic.twitter.com/suBbazM4wG
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) June 27, 2023
According to a statement by the delegation shortly after the trip, the focus of the visit was the threat posed to the Indo-Pacific by the Chinese Communist Party.
“The national security threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party is the most pressing challenge facing our nation, as well as our allies and partners,” said the news release. “On this CODEL, we heard from military and civilian leaders for the U.S., the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan on what is being done to deter aggression by the CCP and boost defenses for the U.S., allies, and partners in the face of that challenge.”
The delegation met with military leaders in Hawaii and Guam on strengthening national security.
“In Hawaii, we heard from INDOPACOM Commander Admiral John Aquilino and discussed what needs to be done in Guam and throughout the Indo-Pacific to boost U.S. capabilities to deter the CCP,” the statement said. “We also saw firsthand, how the U.S. military is working closely with their counterparts in the Philippines and Japan to address a range of security challenges in the region. Throughout our conversations with allies and partners in the region it was clear that U.S. support is vital.”
The members of Congress also wanted to show their continuing support to Taiwan as the CCP continues its rhetoric against the independence of the island.
“The critical nature of U.S. support is also apparent in Taiwan,” they said. “We relayed to President Tsai that U.S. support for Taiwan is unwavering and we will do all we can to ensure Taiwan gets the assistance it needs.”
The committee concluded by calling for bipartisanship in Congress to strengthen America’s defenses and deter the threats from China.
“This CODEL reaffirmed the crucial role the National Defense Authorization Act plays in deterring the CCP’s aggression,” they said. “We are proud of the bipartisan work happening in Congress to support our national defense.”
The other members of the committee on the visit were Reps. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), David Rouzer (R-N.C.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), and James Moylan (R-Guam).
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
