Washington D.C. –

House Armed Services Committee Chairman, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R, AL-03) was with Ranking Member, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D, WA-09) together with U.S. representatives. Joe Courtney (D, CT-02), John Garamendi (D the CA 08), Gary Palmer (R,AL-06), David Rouzer (R, NC-07), Cory Mills (R, FL-07), Jill Tokuda (D, Hawaii-02) as well as James Moylan (R, GU-AL) in a CODEL mission to Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. The CODEL had meetings with senior officials at each of the locations to discuss security concerns within and around the Indo-Pacific region. It was clear that the CODEL concentrated on the issues that needs to be done to ensure an open and free Indo-Pacific and to deter any aggression from Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The participants released the following statement in response to the CODEL

“The security threat to our nation that is posed from China’s Chinese Communist Party is the most urgent threat for our nation as well as our partners and allies. On this CODEL we heard from both military and civilian leaders from Taiwan, the Philippines U.S., the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan on the steps being taken to deter the aggression of the CCP and strengthen security for our U.S., allies, and partners to meet the threat.

“In Hawaii, we heard from INDOPACOM Commander Admiral John Aquilino and discussed what is needed to be implemented in Guam as well as throughout the Indo-Pacific to enhance U.S. capabilities to deter the CCP. We also witnessed firsthand what it is that the U.S. military is working closely with counterparts in both the Philippines as well as Japan to solve a wide range of security concerns within the Indo-Pacific region. In our discussions with our partners and allies in the region, it was obvious the U.S. support is vital.

“The crucial nature of U.S. support is also evident in Taiwan. We have informed the president Tsai the fact that U.S. support for Taiwan is never fading and that we’ll do everything we can to ensure that Taiwan receives the support it needs.

“This CODEL reaffirmed the crucial function that in the National Defense Authorization Act plays in deterring the CCP’s agression. We are very proud of the bipartisan efforts taking place in Congress to help support our nation’s defense.”