Republican senators depart for Taiwan, Indo-Pacific trip
(NewsNation) — Republican Sens. Roger Wicker (Miss.) and Deb Fischer (Neb.) embarked on a trip to the Indo-Pacific region on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen U.S. national security interests.
The Congressional Delegation (CODEL), including the lawmaker duo, will first stop at military installations in Hawaii before meetings in Guam, Tinian, Palau, the Philippines, and most notably, Taiwan.
“We live in the most dangerous national security moment since World War II,” Wicker exclusively told NewsNation, The Hill's sister network, before his departure.
“Congress plays a vitally important role in reassuring U.S. allies and partners of our commitment to maintaining a favorable regional order in the Indo-Pacific," he continued.
Wicker said he hopes to assist President Trump in ensuring the U.S. "maintain peace through strength."
“At a time of global unrest where the Chinese Communist Party continues its military buildup, maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific plays a crucial role in safeguarding our nation’s and our allies’ security," Fischer added. "I look forward to joining Chairman Wicker on this CODEL to see firsthand how we can strengthen our posture in the region in order to safeguard American interests and our allies," she added.