Reps. Lowenthal and Chabot Launch Bipartisan Congressional Cambodia Caucus

Press Release

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) and Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-01) today announced the creation of a bipartisan Congressional Cambodia Caucus to bring together Members of Congress interested in both Cambodia's difficult political situation and the broader U.S. relationship with the Southeast Asian nation. Congressmen Lowenthal and Chabot will serve as the co-chairs of the new Cambodia Caucus.

Congressman Lowenthal, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, represents the City of Long Beach which has one of the largest Cambodian communities outside of Cambodia. Congressman Chabot is the former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and is considered one of Congress' leading experts on Cambodia.

"As the representative of so many Cambodian Americans, many of whom still have deep connections to Cambodia, I feel it is critical that Congress do everything it can to ensure that the United States continues to serve as a positive influence on Cambodia as it works to fully integrate into the international community," Congressman Lowenthal said.

"A strong U.S.-Cambodia relationship is vital to the future of freedom and democracy in Southeast Asia," said Congressman Steve Chabot, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "Cambodia is fast becoming an important economic partner to the United States and it is imperative that we continue to foster Cambodia's economic growth while promoting our core values like respect for human rights and rule of law."

At the bipartisan Caucus' inaugural meeting, Congressmen Lowenthal and Chabot met on March 17 with U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Bill Heidt to receive an update on the current situation in Cambodia.

Ambassador Heidt provided the group with an update on the political situation and the interactions our nation has had with the Royal Government of Cambodia, particularly the Cambodian government's response to our requests for respecting its citizens' democratic freedoms and freedom of speech. While stressing the need for more progress on democratic and judicial reforms, Ambassador Heidt sounded positive about prospects for Cambodia's young and growing population, and he thanked the American people for supporting U.S. assistance to the country, which is helping to strengthen the already strong people-to-people ties between our two nations.

"These discussions with Ambassador Heidt have reminded me there is still much work to be done in Cambodia and I believe the Congressional Cambodia Caucus will be a tremendous help to the Cambodian people as they work to fulfill their dream of establishing a strong and healthy democracy," Congressman Chabot said.

"The Cambodian Caucus offers a real opportunity for Congress and members of the public to vigorously discuss a full range of issues important to Cambodia's development, and it will strengthen our bilateral relationship," Congressman Lowenthal said.

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