Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), announced the launch of a bipartisan oversight effort entitled the HASC Asia-Pacific Oversight Series, which will focus on educating both Members of Congress and the general public about long-term national security challenges the United States faces in the Asia-Pacific.
The 5-month series, led by Reps Hanabusa and Randy Forbes (R-VA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, will take a comprehensive look at our broader security interests in the Asia-Pacific region while focusing particular attention to the rise of China and its military modernization efforts.
“With the United States’ pivot to the Pacific as the theater of the future, Hawaii’s strategic importance will grow,” Hanabusa said. “We have long been America’s doorstep to the Asia-Pacific region, so this national change in focus cannot help but have profound effects on our state, community, and economy. I believe it is vitally important that our state have a strong voice in any discussion about future developments in the region. With so much at stake for Hawaii, we cannot afford to be spectators to these critical developments.
“The Obama administration has recognized that strategically, economically, and diplomatically, the Asia-Pacific region will provide our greatest challenges and opportunities going forward. It is time for Congress to devote more of our resources and energy to providing leadership in this arena. All of us, particularly those on the Armed Services Committees, have a responsibility to consider the long-term demands on our military power. This series aims to enhance the understanding of Asia-Pacific Security issues for both our colleagues in Congress and the general public.
“In June, Mr. Forbes and I sent a letter to the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, requesting the formation a task force to explore the military balance in the Asia-Pacific. I am pleased that this series will give us an opportunity to follow through and provide both a forum for inquiry and discussion, and a basis for future planning and leadership.”
The series will include a combination of hearings, closed briefings, and other committee assignments.