HASC Approves Gallego Amendment Bolstering U.S. Military Presence in South Korea
WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, the House Armed Services Committee approved an amendment to the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) that would commit the United States to a robust military presence in South Korea for the foreseeable future, in order to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Rep. Gallego's amendment would ensure that U.S. active duty forces in the Republic of Korea will not fall below 22,000 troops without a certification by the Secretary of Defense that any drop below that number is necessary to the national defense and will not significantly undermine allied security in the region.
"As President Trump and world events cause greater uncertainty, we need to show our friends and allies that the United States remains a committed partner," said Rep. Gallego.
"I am proud that all of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee believe that unity between the free peoples of the world is our great advantage as we seek a just and lasting peace in Korea and elsewhere."