Bipartisan Senators Chosen To Helm Congressional Study Group On Korea
FMC’s newest Study Group taps two Senate leaders.

(Wednesday, August 1, 2018) – Today, FMC, an association of former Members of Congress, announced the first bipartisan Senate co-chairs of the Congressional Study Group on Korea.

U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) will take the lead in the Senate, guiding the newest Congressional Study Group as it creates programming and study opportunities for members of the “Congressional Family” to further educate themselves on the transpacific alliance, maintained by the United States, with the Korean peninsula.

“The Republic of Korea is not only a close friend and ally of the United States, but the alliance itself serves as a linchpin for peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” said Sullivan. “I look forward to working alongside Senator Schatz to help FMC in their efforts to increase Congressional awareness and bipartisan support of this vital partnership.”

The Congressional Study Group on Korea is one of four legislative exchanges, made up of current House and Senate members, housed at FMC. Each Study Group has four co-chairs, split on a bipartisan, bicameral basis. Schatz and Sullivan join U.S. Reps. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Penn.), who are the House co-chairs for the Study Group.

“This is a critical time for the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance, and this study group is one of many steps we can take to make sure it remains strong,” said Schatz. “I’m proud to be a part of this effort, and I’m grateful to Senator Sullivan and FMC for their partnership.”

“Senators Schatz and Sullivan will make an outstanding leadership team for the Congressional Study Group on Korea, along with Reps. Bera and Kelly,” said former U.S. Rep. Martin Frost, President of FMC. “At a time when the Korean peninsula is on the minds of so many in the trade and security communities throughout the Pacific Rim, the experiences of two Senators who represent America’s presence in that area is critical. I welcome them to the Congressional Study Groups team and look forward to working with them.” 

FMC is a non-advocacy, non-partisan group founded in 1970 and chartered by Congress in 1983. It is a voluntary alliance of former U.S. Senators and Representatives, working to strengthen Congress in the conduct of its Constitutional responsibility through promoting a collaborative approach to policy making; and to deepening the understanding of our democratic system.

The Congressional Study Groups on Germany, Japan, Europe and Korea are international legislative exchange programs created by FMC to further that mission.