This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) led a bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to underscore the importance of the historic relationship between the United States and the RMI and emphasize the strategic strength of America's military presence in the region. Upon departure, Chairman Westerman released the following statement:

"The United States and our allies will never give in to foreign aggressors. This much was obvious during our visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which is home to many U.S. service members. Our military's strategic position on the Island of Kwajalein cannot be understated, nor can our ability to defend our borders and allies from the People's Republic of China. America’s safety and security will never be questioned or threatened by a regime that seeks to undermine the freedoms and democracy we cherish. This is why we will continue to foster and strengthen our special relationship with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and I look forward to taking what we learned back to D.C."

Background

During their time in the RMI on Majuro, members met with President of the RMI David Kabua and top RMI government officials to discuss the importance of U.S.-RMI relations. Members also spent time on the island of Kwajalein where they met with U.S. military members stationed there and were briefed on the strategic significance of U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein.

As chairman, Westerman has prioritized strengthening America's presence in the Indo-Pacific region during his time as chairman with the creation of the bipartisan Indo-Pacific Task Force. The committee and the task force are conducting oversight on issues facing the U.S. Pacific territories and Freely Associated States in the Indo-Pacific region. Westerman is leading a CODEL of nine members to the region to see these issues firsthand and hear from local communities to further understand the threat of the People's Republic of China under the Chinese Communist Party.

Members joining Chairman Westerman on the CODEL:
Indo-Pacific Task Force Chair Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa)
Indo-Pacific Task Force Co-Chair Gregorio Kilili Sablan (D-CNMI)
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.)
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.)
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.)
U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.)
U.S. Rep. Jim Moylan (R-Guam)
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.)