[Page H3242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SUPPORTING UNITED STATES-REPUBLIC OF KOREA ALLIANCE

  (Mr. SUOZZI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 301, 
which expresses the importance of our country's alliance with the 
Republic of Korea.
  A hundred years ago, the Republic of Korea declared itself sovereign, 
formed a provisional government, and set the wheels in motion for it to 
become the vibrant, prosperous, and free society that it is today.
  The United States and South Korea have developed a special bond 
formed in shared strategic interests and cemented by a commitment to 
democratic values. Our alliance is central to advancing democracy, free 
markets, human rights, and the rule of law in the Asia-Pacific region 
and throughout the world.
  South Korea is now home to around 30,000 American military personnel 
who are sworn by our mutual defense treaty to help our ally defend 
herself from external aggression. South Korea is also one of our 
largest trading partners.
  Trade and security are not the only cornerstones of our relationship. 
Nearly 2 million Korean Americans live across our country, enriching 
all aspects of the fabric of our society.

  Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to continue to strengthen the 
diplomatic, economic, and security ties between the U.S. and our vital 
ally, South Korea.

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