IV 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 653 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 Universal 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 commitment 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; Whereas Japan has demonstrated a commitment to supporting 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 support 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 leadership 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, establishing a House Democracy Assistance Commission, eventually renamed the United States House Democracy Partnership, as a bipartisan commission that works directly 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

That the House of Representatives— (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 organizations 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 balances, 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 democracies and reinforce democratic institutions globally; (5) supports greater bilateral coordination between 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 authoritarian threats in the Indo-Pacific region; (6) affirms the importance of engaging with regional and international partners to elevate democratic values as a central pillar of United States foreign policy; and (7) commits to working alongside Japanese partners in Government and civil society to advance universal values and build a resilient democratic future in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.