- As Delivered – 

WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, last night delivered the following statement on the House floor:

“Mr. Speaker, I join Chairman Royce and all of my colleagues in welcoming President Moon of the Republic of Korea as he travels to Washington this week.

“Across 135 years of diplomatic ties, the United States and the Republic of Korea have forged a strong and unshakable relationship.  Our countries have sacrificed together in war—from the Korean War to Vietnam to the Persian Gulf to Afghanistan—and we’ve prospered together in peace. 

“Our alliance, enshrined in the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953, has been a pillar of stability and security for both of our countries.

“That alliance is especially important in light of the grave threat just 35 miles from Seoul: the dangerous regime controlled by dictator Kim Jung Un in North Korea.

“America grieves with the Warmbier family over the tragic death of their young son, Otto. His unjust detention, abuse, and death haunts all of us. We must do all we can to secure the safe return of the three Americans still detained in North Korea.

“I trust that President Moon’s visit will deepen understanding between Washington and Seoul in these trying times, so that we may face this challenge as we have others—in lock step, side by side.

“Thank You, Mr. Speaker.”

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