HYDE-SMITH, BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL DELEGATION RETURN FROM INDO-PACIFIC REGION
All-Female Delegation Briefed on Hawaii Wildfires, U.S. and Indo-Pacific Security & Energy Matters, Women & Girls Empowerment Women’s World Cup Leaders
PHOTO: Delegation with Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr., Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
PHOTO: Delegation with U.S. Navy sailors in Sydney, Australia, for the 2023 Malabar Exercise.
PHOTO: Delegation at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith returned to the United States late Thursday after traveling to the Indo-Pacific to engage with senior leaders on a variety of topics, including domestic and international security matters and energy issues in the region.
Hyde-Smith was part of a bipartisan, bicameral, and all-female congressional delegation led by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) that traveled to Pearl Harbor, Australia, and New Zealand. The delegation also included U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.-06), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.-11).
“Our bipartisan all-female congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific region sent a strong message as we examined into the security and economic issues that affect our nation and that region. 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,” Hyde-Smith said.
“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. 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. Additionally, 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. I look forward to applying the information gained during this trip through my work in the U.S. Senate,” Capito said.
In addition to covering Indo-Pacific security and economic issues, the members also engaged with senior leaders at the Women’s World Cup to discuss the empowerment of women and girls. The delegation also 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.
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