IV 
119TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 653 
Expressing support for the Japanese Diet’s Caucus for Universal Values 
in the Indo-Pacific and for continued United States-Japan inter-
parliamentary collaboration to advance democracy in the region. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
AUGUST 15, 2025 
Mr. CASTRO of Texas (for himself, Ms. TITUS, Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, and 
Mr. BUCHANAN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for the Japanese Diet’s Caucus for Uni-
versal Values in the Indo-Pacific and for continued 
United States-Japan interparliamentary collaboration to 
advance democracy in the region. 
Whereas the United States and Japan share a steadfast com-
mitment to democratic principles including representative 
Government, respect for human rights, the rule of law, 
Government accountability, economic freedom, and free 
civil society; 
Whereas this shared commitment has served as a cornerstone 
of the United States-Japan alliance, the cornerstone of 
peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region; 
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•HRES 653 IH 
Whereas Japan has demonstrated a commitment to sup-
porting democratic governance and institutions in the 
Indo-Pacific and worldwide; 
Whereas the Japan Center for International Exchange, and 
its partner organizations, through its Democracy for the 
Future program, has worked to strengthen Japan’s sup-
port for democratic governance; 
Whereas a multipartisan group of Japanese Diet members 
has launched the ‘‘Caucus for Universal Values in the 
Indo-Pacific’’ on May 15, 2025, to advocate for Japan’s 
leadership in defending and promoting democratic values 
across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond; 
Whereas the Caucus for Universal Values seeks to deepen 
parliamentary engagement, encourage Government lead-
ership on democracy and human rights, and strengthen 
partnerships with civil society and international partners, 
including the United States; 
Whereas the 109th Congress adopted H. Res. 135, estab-
lishing a House Democracy Assistance Commission, even-
tually renamed the United States House Democracy 
Partnership, as a bipartisan commission that works di-
rectly with legislatures around the world to support the 
development of effective, independent, and accountable 
legislative institutions, and whose work aligns closely with 
the goals of the Japanese parliamentary caucus; and 
Whereas the United States and Japan, as global champions 
of democratic governance, face increasing challenges 
posed by authoritarian influence, democratic backsliding, 
digital repression, and threats to independent civil society 
and journalism: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
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•HRES 653 IH 
(1) commends the establishment of the ‘‘Caucus 
for Universal Values in the Indo-Pacific’’; 
(2) acknowledges the role of the Japan Center 
for International Exchange and its partner organiza-
tions in advancing democratic values and supporting 
civil society throughout the United States, Japan, 
and the Indo-Pacific; 
(3) affirms the shared commitment of the 
United States and Japan to uphold democratic 
norms including respect for human rights, freedom 
of expression, free and fair elections, checks and bal-
ances, and the rule of law as foundations of peace, 
stability, and prosperity; 
(4) encourages expanded collaboration between 
the United States Congress and the Japanese Diet 
through initiatives such as the House Democracy 
Partnership to support emerging and challenged de-
mocracies and reinforce democratic institutions glob-
ally; 
(5) supports greater bilateral coordination be-
tween the United States House of Representatives 
and the Japanese Diet on initiatives that strengthen 
democratic governance, civil society, the protection 
of fundamental freedoms, and resilience against au-
thoritarian threats in the Indo-Pacific region; 
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