WASHINGTON – Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, were joined today by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) in introducing a Senate resolution reaffirming the importance of a close partnership between the United States and Japan. In recognition of the coronation of the new Emperor and the beginning of a new era in Japan, the resolution marks seventy years of the U.S.-Japanese alliance, and calls for stronger, broader ties that will promote mutual prosperity and regional security. 

“For over 70 years, the partnership between the United States and Japan has played a vital role in ensuring peace, stability, and economic development in Asia and beyond.  It is a relationship of common interests and common values that is foundational for the United States, fundamental to our engagement in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe,” said Senator Menendez. “As Japan enters the new ‘Reiwa’ era of ‘beautiful harmony’, the Japanese people can be assured that the alliance will continue to have strong bipartisan support in Congress.”

“The United States-Japan alliance is the cornerstone for advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific” said Senator Risch. “We enjoy a strong alliance and deep friendship with the people of Japan and I am confident that our already strong cooperation will continue to grow as Japan begins its new Reiwa era.”

"Japan, one of our closest allies, has long been a champion of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. I want to offer my sincere congratulations to the people of Japan as they usher in the Reiwa era,” said Senator Markey. “I look forward to working even more closely as we seek to defend human rights, prevent nuclear proliferation, and uphold the international order."

“The U.S.-Japan alliance, bound by friendship and common democratic values, is the backbone of security and stability in Asia,” said Sen. Gardner. “Close ties with Japan will be more important than ever to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, which is vital for future U.S. security and economic interests. As re-affirmed by the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act and this bipartisan resolution, we must ensure that this alliance only grows stronger, benefitting both of our nations.”

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

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