Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Armed Services in the One Hundred Eleventh Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to express my appreciation and thanks to the faculty of Dongguk University for the Honorary Doctorate in Political Science they bestowed upon me during my recent visit to South Korea. I wish to also recognize my friends in Korea and at Dongguk University who help make the conferral of this Honorary Doctorate possible. These individuals include: President Young-Kyo Oh and President Dong-Jin Sohn of Dongguk University, Governor Kwan-Yong Kim of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Mayor Sang-Seung Baek of Gyeongju City, former Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Tae-Sik Lee and Mrs. Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Il-Hwan Cho and Mr. and Mrs. Dong-Suk Kim of the Korean American Voter's Council in New York.

I have always believed that the Republic of Korea is one of America's most committed friends and allies, and the warmth and hospitality extended to me and my wife during our stay in April reinforced my belief that the bonds that bind the people of the United States together with the people of South Korea are as strong today as they have ever been.

Even so, I believe we should always look for opportunities to strengthen our alliance and friendship and one of the key areas of opportunity is passage of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

During my stay, I had the privilege of meeting with Foreign Minister Myung-Hwan Yu, National Security Advisor Sung-Hwan Kim, Chairman Jin Park of the Korean National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee, our U.S. Embassy senior officials and the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea. In practically every meeting, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement was high on the agenda. No agreement or treaty is ever perfect, as it is always a product of compromise. And I agree that Congress has a legitimate right to debate the merits of the agreement; so let's have that debate; let's take this agreement out of legislative limbo, bring it to the House Floor, have an honest up or down vote, and let the chips fall where they may, Madam Speaker. I think we owe our South Korean friends that much respect because there's more at stake here than just economic growth; this Free Trade Agreement recognizes our special relationship with South Korea and reinforces the message that the United States stands squarely behind our friends and allies.

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask unanimous consent to place in the Congressional Record a copy of the remarks I delivered at Dongguk University, entitled: ``The Korea-U.S. Alliance Partnership.'' And I would also ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the historic significance of the U.S.-Korea alliance and its growing importance in the years to come.

President Young-Kyo Oh, distinguished members of the

faculty, and students of Dongguk University, ladies and

gentlemen and friends: Thank you for your kind introduction.

It is a great pleasure to be here today in the heart of

Korea's ancient capital city. We are surrounded by history,

culture and the memories and friendship that our nations have

made together through battles and treaties, commerce and

trade.

When I think about this partnership, one particular Korean-

American friend comes to mind. His name is Johnny Yune. When

Johnny was eleven years old, his family's home town was

bombed by communist forces. As they attempted to flee, a

particular blast knocked Johnny off his feet and sent him

tumbling to a ditch where he was left to die. An American

soldier named Private Brown found Johnny, rescued him from

the ditch and saved his life that day.

In the weeks and months that followed, the Yune family got

to know this Private Brown very well. Johnny remembers how he

used to come over to his home, unshaven, with a guitar on his

back and a truck full of rationed food. Private Brown would

sing and teach them American songs like ``Oh Susanna'' and

give them candy. Johnny is alive today because of that

American soldier; and, although he never saw the Private once

his unit had moved on, Johnny never forgot his kindness. In

his career as a television and movie star, he often speaks of

the war hero.

The virtues of the personal relationship between Private

Brown and Johnny are not limited to this experience. In a

greater sense, The United States and Korea also share a very

special relationship.

The United States and the Republic of Korea first became

partners more than 125 years ago, when we signed a treaty of

amity

and commerce in 1882. This partnership was forged on the

battlefield during the Korean War. The South Koreans fought

bravely to stay free from the chains of tyranny and communism

and have remained a beacon of light and democracy ever since.

For more than half a century, we have been diplomatic,

political, economic, and cultural partners and great friends.

In the early years, the United States reached out a hand to

South Korea, assisting as the nation transformed itself from

a war-torn ``basket'' economy into what it is now: a full-

blown democracy with the world's 13th largest economy. South

Korea is now an indispensable partner in promoting democracy

and extolling the benefits of free market economies. Today,

South Korea is the United States' seventh largest export

market and the fifth largest market for U.S. agricultural

products.

South Korea is committed to the freedom of its people, even

when threats grow daily, and especially in light of the

North's recent missile launch. The nation is a key partner in

the Six-Party Talks to resolve North Korea's nuclear issue,

despite the constant fear of war that clouds the peninsula.

South Korea is an important military ally with over 29,000

U.S. troops stationed in the country and plays a vital part

in securing peace and stability in the region. The United

States is committed to the strengthening and survival of

freedom on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea has also reached out a hand to the United

States in times when we have been threatened. It is one of

only three nations which stood alongside the U.S. in all four

major conflicts that the U.S. has faced since the Korean War.

The nation has been a strong ally in the U.S.-led War on

Terror, having committed troops to Iraq, Afghanistan and

Lebanon. Korea is a true friend of the United States. We are

committed together to defending freedom and liberty

throughout the world.

Over the past several years, the relationship between the

United States and Korea has grown even stronger. As a Member

of Congress and, especially, a Co-Chair of the Congressional

Caucus on Korea, I have been able to observe and participate

in legislative actions that have contributed to consolidating

the U.S.-Korea alliance. The Embassy of Korea in Washington

and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Seoul have

played a larger role in recent years in bringing to the

attention of Congress those issues of importance and concern

to the Korean people. This has informed congressional action

and improved the legislative process.

Of the important legislative achievements of the past few

years, the inclusion of Korea in the Visa Waiver Program,

which makes it easier for Koreans to visit the United States

for business, leisure, or family purposes, deserves special

mentioning. In early 2006, there were about two dozen

countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program

administered by the U.S. Department of State. Most of them

were European allies and trading partners. While

responsibility for expanding or contracting the Visa Waiver

Program lies with the Executive Branch, Congress took the

lead in persuading the Bush administration to include Korea

in the program.

My colleagues and I argued that, by allowing South Korea to

participate in the Visa Waiver Program, we would not only be

adhering to its stated goals, but at the same time we would

build upon a strategic partnership with our close friends in

East Asia. Although it took some time, legislation to open

the door for Korea to accede to the Visa Waiver Program

passed in July 2007, and in November of last year, Korea

officially joined the program at long last. It was a major

accomplishment for our bi-lateral alliance.

A second great achievement was the upgrading of Korea's

Foreign Military Sales (FMS) status to NATO+3. As I have

already noted, Korea and the United States have a close and

integral military alliance. But for years, Korea was treated

in an unfair fashion by U.S. laws related to the sales of

military equipment. So the U.S. House of Representatives and

U.S. Senate sought to correct this problem by raising Korea's

Foreign Military Sales status to something known as NATO-

plus-3. This status elevation was long overdue and absolutely

necessary to reverse the unfair exclusion.

In doing this, we acted on our firm belief that the

Republic of Korea has been one of our most important and

staunchest allies in the Asia-Pacific region. Our mutual

alliance is dynamic and comprehensive, encompassing

political, economic, military, security, cultural, and social

spheres. By the end of last year, Congress had approved the

upgrade in status for Korea and it now stands at NATO+4. I am

convinced that both of our countries will benefit from the

greater partnership that this status upgrade brings.

Finally, we were able to see the passage of a resolution

bringing world attention to the plight of the ``Comfort

Women'' who suffered at the hands of the Imperial Japanese

Army during the Second World War. In 2007, the House of

Representatives at long last passed House Resolution 121,

which I co-sponsored and which received bipartisan support

and worldwide attention in the news media.

In fact, Congress took the lead in raising the issue of the

``comfort women.'' We invited survivors from Korea to tell

their stories in front of television cameras on the record.

After the United States Congress acted on this critical human

rights issue, other legislative bodies around the world took

notice and acted themselves. Thus, the plight of Korea's

comfort women became an issue of international concern that,

we hope, will serve as a reminder to future generations that

such horrific violence shall never occur again.

While some cynics dismissed the resolution as simply

revisiting a tragedy of the distant past, I believe a

relevant assertion of the importance of respecting human

rights is timeless, and the world should never again deny

women the right to be safe and secure and to maintain their

dignity.

Though these accomplishments are notable, I believe there

are even greater accomplishments in our future. In the coming

months I hope we can pass the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement

of which I am a strong supporter. As most of you undoubtedly

know, the United States and Korea signed a free trade

agreement in June of 2007, after months of diligent

negotiations. The agreement has not yet been ratified and, to

be candid, action on the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement may

not take place for some time.

It is no secret that there are members of both the United

States Congress and the Korean National Assembly who oppose

the Free Trade Agreement. But there are also those of us--and

I include myself among them--who believe that free trade

among free peoples is a positive good, and those agreements

or treaties that advance the principles of free trade bring

more benefits than risks, promote future prosperity, and

provide a stronger foundation for peace and stability around

the globe.

Just last month the World Trade Organization warned of a

rising threat of trade protectionism around the world. This

threat has emerged because of the general decline of the

global economy over the past two or three years. Governments

are doing what they have done for centuries in the face of

economic contraction: they look inward. This is, in my

opinion, a mistake, and it is a mistake borne out by the

lessons of history.

The benefits of a U.S.-Korean Free Trade Agreement are

manifestly clear. This agreement, once it is ratified, will

constitute the largest and most commercially significant Free

Trade Agreement the United States has negotiated in 15 years.

The numbers are truly impressive. Korea is the 13th largest

economy in the world with a GDP of nearly one Trillion U.S.

dollars and a per capita income of over $20,000. It is the

United States' 7th largest trading partner and our 5th

largest market for U.S. agricultural export products. Trade

between our two nations is nearly $80 Billion and includes

important goods like computer chips, industrial machinery,

organic chemicals, agricultural produce, civilian aircraft

and, of course, beef. A Free Trade Agreement would bolster

U.S. exports to Korea, open duty-free access for Korean goods

in the U.S. market, and stimulate job growth in both of our

countries.

A Free Trade Agreement would also benefit the great State

of Indiana, which I proudly represent in Congress. Korea is

Indiana's 10th largest export market, and Indiana exports

$303 Million in goods to Korea annually. Not only that, but

almost 10,000 Korean-Americans reside in the State of Indiana

and more than 2,000 Korean students study at Indiana's

prestigious academic institutions.

This new partnership between the United States and South

Korea is sure to be a win-win for both of our countries. I

pledge that I am committed to working closely with the U.S.

and Korean negotiators as FTA talks proceed, so that we can

ensure the best opportunities for Americans and Koreans

alike.

Unfortunately, the political mood in the United States

right now is not conducive to the ratification of the U.S.-

Korea Free Trade Agreement, or any other such trade

agreement. I can assure you, however, that my colleagues and

I who believe strongly in the principle of free trade and

specifically in the importance of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade

Agreement, will not let this agreement die for lack of

action. We will continue to fight for its approval by

Congress, we will press the White House to fight for it, and

we will go directly to the court of public opinion to

persuade American consumers, business leaders, and workers to

support it. I know that, with time and wisdom on our side,

the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement will be ratified and the

relationship between our countries will become even stronger

because of it.

In closing, I am reminded of the look on my good friend

Johnny Yune's face, and the way his voice cracked as he re-

tells the story of Private Brown. It is the same affection I

have experienced on my visit here and the affection I have

felt toward my old and even new Korean and Korean-American

friends.

Our friendship is different from the relationship of any

other country with the United States. I would say to my

Korean friends that we should continue to focus on what keeps

our relationship strong and more unique than any other

alliance in world history. It is my fervent belief that the

U.S.-Korea alliance is worth protecting and strengthening.

That is why the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement is so

important to me.

Once again, I have been struck personally by the

extraordinary warmth and hospitality of the Korean people

since my arrival here in this beautiful country. This has

been true not only among my formal hosts, but with everyone I

meet. I am honored and humbled

to accept this honorary degree at this historic institution,

and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. May we never

cease to find ways to strengthen and deepen the ties that

bind our two nations together.

President Oh, distinguished faculty and students of Dongguk

University, friends and colleagues, it is my distinct honor

to accept this degree. I will always cherish this moment with

great humility and I pledge to do all I can to see that our

very special alliance to grow even closer in the coming

years.

Thank you, and ``GAHM-SAH-HAHM-NIDA!''

Madam Speaker, this August, I had the honor of traveling to Kangwon National University in South Korea, where I was awarded an honorary doctorate in Education. As a former high school teacher, principal, and school board member, education has always been my top priority. I believe education is a powerful investment in our future, and I have continued my pursuit of both learning and teaching during my tenure in Congress. I was humbled to receive the high honor of an honorary doctorate from Kangwon National University, an institution I have come to deeply respect.

During my visit to Korea, I met with Prime Minister Seung-Soo Han, whose passion for moving President Myung-Bak Lee's ``Low Carbon, Green Growth'' initiative forward is something that I admire. As a representative from Silicon Valley, which is at the forefront in our country's efforts in renewable energy, I know the importance of Korea's investments in green technologies.

Many individuals helped make my visit to Korea successful and memorable, and I would like to thank the following people who helped to make my degree and visit possible: Prime Minister Seung-Soo Han; Foreign Minister Myung-Hwan Yu; Kangwon Province Governor Jin-Sun Kim; Kangwon National University President Yong-Jung Kwon; National Assemblywoman Nak-Kyun Shin; National Assemblywoman Mi-Kyung Lee; U.S. Ambassador to Korea Kathleen Stephens; former Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Tae-Sik Lee; American Chamber of Commerce in Korea Chairman David Ruch; House of Sharing, Comfort Women Survivors and Grandma Koon-Ja Kim; Sokcho City Mayor Yong-Sang Chae; and Korean American Voters' Council of New York and New Jersey Leader Dong-Suk Kim.

During my visit, I delivered the following remarks upon accepting my honorary doctorate at Kangwon National University.

It is a pleasure to be here with you here in Korea at Kangwon National University. Thank you for the warm welcome and the kind introduction, and for this wonderful honor.

I'd like to thank the President, distinguished members of the faculty, and students of Kangwon University. I would also like to express my appreciation to Governor Jin-Sun Kim of Kangwon province, and Mr. Dong-Suk Kim of the Korean American Voters' Council.

This is my fourth time in this great country, and each time I leave with stronger friendships and a deeper understanding and connection to Korea. My visits to Korea and the warmth of the Korean people have made a long lasting impression me.

This trip is especially meaningful to me, and I am extremely honored to receive an honorary doctorate in education here at Kangwon National University. As a former teacher, principal, and school board member, education has played an integral role throughout my life, so receiving this degree is very personal.

Education is my passion, and I believe it is the most powerful tool and investment we can provide children with. Quality education assures the economic competitiveness of any nation, advances the arts and sciences, and provides the means for people to achieve individual success. I have worked hard towards providing every child with a high quality education, both as a former educator and as a Member of Congress.

Education also means being able to teach others in order to learn from past mistakes, and flourish as a society. If society cannot look back and learn from previous mistakes, trust and progress between nations is stunted.

To this end, I have spent a portion of my career in Congress educating and working on a historical issue that has grown very close to my heart: that of the 200,000 sex slaves known as comfort women. These comfort women, many of whom were Korean, were forced into dehumanizing sexual slavery, forced to serve up to 30 soldiers a day in some cases. They suffered serious physical, emotional, and psychological damages as a result.

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit with some of the comfort women survivors. I have met these women on several occasions, both in the United States and in Korea at the House of Sharing, and each time I meet them, I am renewed by how strong they are. I cannot emphasize enough how much I admire their perseverance.

The hope of the comfort women is an extremely modest one: That the government of

Japan formally acknowledges, apologizes and accepts full historical responsibility for this crime. To date, they have still not received such a formal apology. That is why I introduced House Resolution 121, which calls on Japan to do so.

I believe the U.S. must have a strong founding in historical reconciliation. For example, in 1988, Congress passed, and President Ronald Reagan signed into law, H.R. 442, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which was a formal apology to United States citizens of Japanese ancestry who were unjustly put into internment camps during World War

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Korean American Voters' Council for their continued commitment to the advancement of the Korean American community and to remind my colleagues about House Resolution 121, the ``comfort women'' resolution which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 30, 2007.

The Korean American Voters' Council was a strong advocate and key initiator in educating members of Congress on the ``comfort women'' issue three years ago when House Resolution 121 was passed. The Korean American Voters' Council is a grassroots non-profit organization built up of volunteers who work on constituency development, civic participation, voting rights advocacy, and community education within Korean American communities across the country.

Friday, July 30, 2010, will mark the third anniversary of the passing of House Resolution 121. House Resolution 121 calls upon the Government of Japan to make an official and unequivocal apology, taking responsibility for the Japanese Imperial Armed Force's role in enslaving over 200,000 girls and women of Asia as ``comfort women'' before and during World War II.

House Resolution 121 was sponsored by my distinguished colleague, Representative Michael M. Honda, and it was my privilege to serve as a co-sponsor of this bill and to hold the first hearing ever held in the U.S. Congress on this sensitive subject. The hearing was held before the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment on February 15, 2007 and paid tribute to those who suffered while acknowledging the past contributions of those Members of Congress like former Chairman Henry Hyde of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and also the late Congressman Lane Evans who also championed this cause.

It has been three years since passage and the resolution clearly expressed a need for a formal acknowledgement and apology by the Government of Japan, through the Prime Minister to the victims of this atrocity. The Government of Japan has had multiple changes in the Prime Minister position and not one has formally acknowledged and apologized for this human rights violation. The victims are running out of time for this apology, as most of them are elderly, and the time is now for the Government of Japan to formally apologize for their past mistake.

I strongly urge the Government of Japan to formally acknowledge and apologize in order to begin the reconciliation process and to create better relationships in the future. Japan cannot move forward by erasing the past and it is of the utmost importance that Japan follows through on House Resolution 121.