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).