Senators Lankford, Menendez, Gardner, Markey Honor US-Korean Alliance

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced a resolution to honor the US Alliance with the Republic of Korea. The two countries have worked together to promote international peace, security, economic prosperity, human rights, and the rule of law.

“The US and Korea have a rich history and partnership that stems from our shared values and national interest,” said Lankford. “Korean Americans are an essential benefactor to our democracy, and I am honored to join Senators Menendez, Gardner, and Markey to recognize this important relationship with our Pacific neighbor and the millions of Americans with ties to Korea.”

“The US-Korea alliance— based on a six-decade commitment to democracy, security and shared prosperity — remains elemental, strong, and flexible in a turbulent world,” said Menendez. “I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to honor the ties between the Korean and American people, including the vibrant Korean-American community in New Jersey, and in recognition of the vital contributions they make to our nation’s tremendous diversity. The commitment of the United States to the defense and the security of the Korean people and the Republic of Korea – and to our mutually beneficial partnership  – must never waiver.”

“The US-ROK alliance is forged in blood and we will always stand with the Korean people. This alliance is critical to U.S. economic and national security interests and is a lynchpin of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. As affirmed by U.S. law, including the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, and re-affirmed in this resolution today, maintaining and strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance must be a primary goal of United States policy in the region.”

“Our joint efforts to secure peace on the Korean Peninsula may dominate the headlines, but this is a moment to reflect on the enduring foundations of the alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States. My colleagues and I today reaffirm that shared democratic values and deep relationships between our peoples will long connect our countries together.”

The US is home to over two million Korean Americans. The resolution recognizes the vital role of the two countries to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and calls for the strengthening and broadening of diplomatic, economic, and security ties between the two nations. Thursday, April 11, 2019, marks the 100^th anniversary of the Provisional Government of Korea.

Lankford is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

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