H.Res. 653

[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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