This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) led a bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) to Japan. Upon departure, Westerman released the following statement: 

"Japan and the United States have a strong partnership and our discussions during our visit have only underscored that. By reinforcing the ties between our nations, we strengthen our collective stand against the People’s Republic of China, deepen our economic relationships and together look at a bright future for U.S-Japan relations."

Background

During their time in Japan, members met with Ambassador George Glass, Foreign Minister of Japan IWAYA Takeshi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and State Minister of the Cabinet OGUSHI Masaki, State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries TAKINAMI Hirofumi and Commissioner for the Forestry Agency, Ministry of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries AOYAMA Toyohisa, to discuss energy, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Indo-Pacific and forestry issues faced by the United States and Japan.  

The delegation also visited U.S. Fleet Activities in Yokosuka where they received briefings from the U.S.’s Seventh Fleet, the largest of the U.S. Navy’s forward deployed fleets.  

Members joining Chairman Westerman on the CODEL: 

U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.)
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.)
U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah)
U.S. Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska)