U.S.-Japan Congressional Caucus Chairs Hail Announcement of PM Kishida's Planned Address to Congress

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S.-Japan Congressional Caucus Chairs Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after congressional leadership announced Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio will address a joint meeting of Congress on April 11, 2024: 

“As co-chairs of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, we are gratified that congressional leaders have granted our request to extend an invitation to Prime Minister Kishida to address a joint meeting of Congress. The U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and our relationship has unique historic significance. Welcoming the prime minister to the Capitol will reflect and renew our commitment to mutual support at a critical time for regional and economic security.”

BACKGROUND:

In February, the U.S.-Japan Caucus Chairs sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, requesting Prime Minister Kishida be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress during his planned visit to the United States.

Read the text of the letter here.