Originally published in The Ripon Advance

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) recently led a Congressional Member Delegation, known as a CODEL, throughout the Indo-Pacific where the bipartisan, bicameral group addressed myriad issues of importance to the United States and its allies in the region. The delegation included Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.-06), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.-11).

During the trip, Sen. Capito and the CODEL members engaged with senior leaders across the Indo-Pacific to discuss domestic and international security matters and energy issues throughout the region, among other topics. 

“I’m thankful to grow our relationship with leaders in the Pacific, as well as in both Australia and New Zealand regarding the importance of bilateral ties and partnerships between our nations,” Sen. Capito said on Aug. 18. “Through this series of visits, we had the opportunity to meet with senior leaders in the Indo-Pacific on matters that impact our nation and our allies, and to learn more about our country’s response to the devastating wildfires in Hawaii.”

Sen. Capito and her colleagues also met with senior leaders at the Women’s World Cup to discuss the empowerment of women and girls. 

“It was encouraging to engage with leaders of the Women’s World Cup and discuss ways that we can capitalize on momentum to grow women and girls empowerment efforts,” said Sen. Capito.  

Additionally, the CODEL visited the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where they met with Commander Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr., and General Charles Flynn, who is coordinating defense support to civil authorities for the wildfire response in Hawaii, according to Sen. Capito’s staff.

“I look forward to applying the information gained during this trip through my work in the U.S. Senate,” Sen. Capito said.

In addition to Sen. Capito, the CODEL included U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY).

“Our bipartisan all-female congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific region sent a strong message as we explored the security and economic issues that affect our nation and that region,” said Sen. Hyde-Smith. “Our visit also underscored the value in encouraging and highlighting women in athletics in the same way we support men’s athletics, a goal that can help inspire more young women to reach their athletic potential and dreams.”