HRES 653 — 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.

Summary

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for a caucus of Japanese Diet members established to advocate for democratic values in the Indo-Pacific region. The resolution affirms the United States and Japan's shared commitment to democratic principles including human rights, freedom of expression, free elections, checks and balances, and the rule of law. It encourages expanded collaboration between the U.S. Congress and Japanese Diet through existing programs like the House Democracy Partnership to support democratic governance and civil society in the region. The resolution also commits to increased bilateral coordination between the two nations on initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions and counter authoritarian threats in the Indo-Pacific.

AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill text — neutral, and may be imperfect. See the full text below for the exact wording.

Sponsor (1)

Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20] (D-TX)

3 cosponsors

Money behind the sponsor

Top reported contributors to Joaquin Castro’s campaign committee (2024 cycle) — who funds the bill’s sponsor, not a claim about this bill. Data from FEC.

AVANZAR INTERIOR TECHNOLOGIES $6,600
HARTMAN FOUNDATION $6,600
GEORGE SALINAS INJURY LAWYERS $4,300
RX MEDIA $4,300
CANTU CONSTRUCTION $3,300

Organizations whose employees gave the most — itemized individual contributions grouped by the donor’s reported employer (FEC Schedule A). Full finance for Joaquin Castro → · Outside spending →

Actions (2)

Aug 15, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. · house
Aug 15, 2025 Submitted in House

Similar bills (6)

Bills with similar text or summary — includes reintroductions across Congresses. Ranked by semantic similarity of the bill text (computed locally); a neutral discovery aid, not a claim the bills are duplicates.

Full text

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 Resolved, 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. <all>

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