Rep. Aaron Schock in Japan, China, South Korea

Rep. Aaron Schock R-Ill. departed Friday on an official trip running through April 27 to Japan, South Korea and China traveling with, among others, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor R-Va. and Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan R-Wisc., Mitt Romney’s 2012 vice presidential running mate.

Schock said in a statement, “Reports that Illinois continues to suffer the second highest unemployment in the nation while wages are stagnant and welfare rolls increase demand pro-growth policies that include a renewed commitment to international trade. Expanding new markets for American farmers and manufacturers must be a top priority. I look forward to working with our Asian allies, the White House and other congressional leaders to supply emerging economies with American products, generating much-needed jobs and economic growth here at home.”

Schock was invited on the trip by Cantor, a Schock spokesman said. Schock is a member of the House Ways and Means trade subcommittee.

The list of the congressional delegation on this trip:

Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), Cybersecurity Subcommittee Chairman Pat Meehan (R-PA), Armed Service Committee Vice Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-TX), Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD), Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL), Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), and Representative Paul Cook (R-CA).

The Latest
Previously struggling to keep its doors open, the Buena Park establishment received a boost from the popular TikToker.
Bagent also said the negative publicity about teammate Caleb Williams leading to the draft has turned out to be “completely false.”
Deputy Sean Grayson has been fired and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Massey, who had called 911 to report a possible prowler. He has pleaded not guilty. The family says the Department of Justice is investigating.
Here’s how Kamala Harris and the Democratic National Convention are embracing Charli XCX’s social media post that sparked a cultural movement.
Thousands gathered in Union Park for the Pitchfork Music Festival, the Chicago Bears started training camp at Halas Hall, and Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her presidential campaign.