SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS TO TRAVEL WITH MAJORITY LEADER FRIST ON BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO KOREA, CHINA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins will depart today for Asia as part of an official, eight-member U.S. Senate delegation scheduled to meet with allies in the region to discuss bilateral issues including SARS and other emerging health threats, diplomatic efforts with North Korea, and global cooperation in the war on terrorism. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) will lead bipartisan delegation, which also includes Senators Conrad Burns (R-MT), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Mark Dayton (D-MN), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Don Nickles (R-OK).

"I am looking forward to visiting with our brave men and women in the military who guard the DMZ as well as discussing the rising tensions in North Korea with officials from neighboring nations," said Senator Collins. "I am hopeful our visit will enhance U.S. relations in the region as we confront these issues of common concern."

The delegation will depart from Washington, D.C. today for Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China, and return to the United States of Tuesday, April 22nd. The delegation will meet with top-ranking officials in each country and representatives from the business communities to hear firsthand how the United States can contribute to the mutual good of region.

The trip, organized by the United States Army, is Senator Frist's first Congressional Delegation as Majority Leader.