that whenminded me the united states retreats, a power vacuum is created that unprincipled and disruptive powers will fill. that's why it's critical that we thatnue to show our values empower men and women. freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press. these unalienable rights that are entrenched in our constitution are out of reach for many people around the world. that was clear to me on a recent trip to asia, when i met with government officials and military commanders and reaffirmed our shared values. importance ofhe u.s. leadership and strengthening our alliance with allies in the region. is more important now than ever that the united states sends a strong signal that it is ready and willing to work with our allies in and across the pacific, and our crucial nato allies to protect these rights. this requires not only maintaining, but growing our presence in the region. the president must sign the ndaa, because it will bolster our national defense and equip our military with the resources it needs. --the same time, it inspired it reminds us what inspires our brave men