IV 

110TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 508 

Recognizing the strong security alliance between the Government of Japan 

and the United States and expressing appreciation to Japan for its 

role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region and its efforts 

in the global war against terrorism. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

JUNE 21, 2007 

Mr. SAXTON submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Foreign Affairs 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the strong security alliance between the Government of Japan and the United States and expressing 

appreciation to Japan for its role in enhancing stability 

in the Asia-Pacific region and its efforts in the global 

war against terrorism. 

Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is the cornerstone 

of United States security interests in Asia and the Pacific 

and is fundamental to regional stability and prosperity; 

Whereas the United States-Japan alliance continues to be 

based on shared vital interests and values in the Asia-Pacific region, despite the changes in the post-cold war strategic landscape, including the preservation and promotion 

of political and economic freedoms, support for human 

rights and democratic institutions, and securing of prosVerDate Aug 31 2005 22:15 Jun 22, 2007 Jkt 059200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR508.IH HR508

hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with BILLS
2 

•HRES 508 IH 

perity for the people of both countries and the international community; 

Whereas on April 27, 2007, during Prime Minister Abe’s visit 

to Washington, President Bush and the Prime Minister 

reconfirmed their commitment to these common strategic 

objectives; 

Whereas Japan provides military bases and generous financial and material support to United States forward-deployed forces, which are essential for maintaining stability in the region; 

Whereas under the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual 

Cooperation and Security, Japan hosts a carrier battle 

group, the III Marine Expeditionary Force, the 5th Air 

Force, and elements of the Army’s I Corps; 

Whereas the United States currently maintains approximately 

50,000 troops in Japan, about half of whom are stationed in Okinawa; 

Whereas over the past decade the alliance has been strengthened through revised Defense Guidelines (which expand 

Japan’s noncombat role in a regional contingency) and 

the continued renewal of Japan’s Host Nation Support of 

United States forces stationed in Japan; 

Whereas in 2005, the two allies agreed on a redefinition of 

roles, missions, and capabilities of alliance forces, which 

further deepens interoperability and coordination between 

the Japanese Self Defense Forces (SDF) and United 

States Armed Forces; 

Whereas the agreement also provided for reducing the number of troops stationed in Okinawa and broadening our 

cooperation in the area of ballistic missile defense 

(BMD); 


hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with BILLS
3 

•HRES 508 IH 

Whereas implementation of these agreements will strengthen 

our capabilities and make our alliance more sustainable; 

Whereas after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, 

Japan has participated significantly with the global war 

on terrorism by providing troops, aircraft, and logistical 

support for Operation Iraqi Freedom, a commitment 

which the Japanese Government recently renewed; 

Whereas Japan has also provided major logistical support for 

United States and coalition forces in the Indian Ocean in 

support of Operation Enduring Freedom since 2002; 

Whereas alliance BMD capabilities, which contribute to the 

alliance’s overall deterrence posture, are strengthened to 

the extent that United States and Japanese systems can 

operate together effectively; 

Whereas in May 2007, the United States and Japan confirmed that, as both countries develop and deploy capabilities, every effort must be made to ensure tactical, 

operational, and strategic coordination; 

Whereas in that light, the United States and Japan will take 

appropriate measures, in close coordination, in response 

to ballistic missile threats against alliance interests; and 

Whereas because of the importance of improving the situational awareness of United States forces and the SDF, 

the two sides are committed to the routine sharing of 

BMD and related operational information directly with 

each other on a real-time, continuous basis: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) recognizes that Japan is one of the most re3 liable security partners of the United States; 


hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with BILLS
4 

•HRES 508 IH 

1 (2) commends the Government of Japan for its 

2 role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific Re3 gion; and 

4 (3) expresses appreciation for its efforts in the 

5 global war against terrorism. 

Æ 


hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with BILLS