[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 217 Engrossed in House (EH)]
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 217
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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the
alliance between Australia and the United States under the ANZUS
Treaty, recognizing the strong support provided by Australia to the
United States in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September
11, 2001, including jointly invoking Article IV of the ANZUS Treaty,
which commits both countries to act to meet a common danger, and
reaffirming the importance of economic and security cooperation between
the United States and Australia.
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 217
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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas the relationship between the United States and Australia extends beyond
security cooperation and is based on common values, mutual respect, and
a shared desire to see a world at peace in which all peoples can enjoy
the benefits of democratic governance, fundamental human rights, and the
prosperity that market-oriented economies bring;
Whereas the United States and Australia are jointly committed to combating
terrorism around the world;
Whereas the United States and Australia share a wide range of common interests
in Asia and the Pacific, such as growth and liberalization of
international trade, regional cooperation on economic development,
environmental protection, and the peaceful settlement of disputes;
Whereas the United States and Australia share the goals of effective
multilateral cooperation in arms control and nonproliferation, halting
the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and ensuring the effective
operation of
nonproliferation and arms control regimes;
Whereas the Australia-United States Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
(TIFA) provides for consultations on trade and investment policy issues;
Whereas since 1985 the United States and Australia have held annual bilateral
Australia-United States Ministerial Talks (AUSMIN) to develop and
enhance their relationship;
Whereas United States Presidential visits to Australia in 1991 and 1996 and
visits of the Australian Prime Minister to the United States in 1995,
1997, and 1999 have underscored the strength and closeness of the
alliance;
Whereas the Sydney Declaration of 1996 reaffirmed and strengthened the defense
alliance between the United States and Australia and the intention of
both countries to work cooperatively with other states in the region and
to encourage collective solutions to problems and security challenges in
the region;
Whereas the United States and Australia are committed to close bilateral
cooperation on legal, counternarcotics, and other global issues through
the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) of 1997;
Whereas the United States and Australia have worked together closely in the
World Trade Organization (WTO), as active members of the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and as strong supporters of the
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Regional
Forum (ARF) to encourage and improve regional cohesion;
Whereas the various phases of the multinational and United Nations operations in
East Timor were a striking example of regional cooperation to achieve
shared goals;
Whereas as evidenced by the recent situation in East Timor and the economic
crisis of 1997, the international and economic security in the Asia-
Pacific region is dynamic and the vitality and relevance of the alliance
since the end of the Cold War is obvious;
Whereas the alliance between the United States and Australia during World War II
was formalized in a 1951 security treaty commonly referred to as the
``ANZUS Treaty'', which provides that the United States and Australia
will act to meet a common danger in the event of an armed attack in the
Pacific against either country and strengthen the fabric of peace in the
Pacific region;
Whereas Australia and the United States have maintained a close relationship
with one another, and with the United Nations, regional organizations,
associations, and other authorities in the Pacific region as a means to
maintain international peace and security;
Whereas forces of the United States and Australia have served alongside one
another in many theaters of war and as part of United Nations
peacekeeping operations throughout the world;
Whereas the alliance between the United States and Australia has been
characterized by an extraordinary degree of cooperation that includes
information sharing, combined exercises, joint training and educational
programs, and joint facilities;
Whereas the Australia-United States security relationship, having proved its
value for five decades, will remain a cornerstone of Asia-Pacific
security into the 21st century; and
Whereas September 1, 2001, marks the 50th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That Congress--
(1) expresses its appreciation to the Government and people
of Australia for the support given to the United States in the
aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001;
(2) pays tribute to the relationship between the United
States and Australia and looks forward to the continued growth
and development of all aspects of the relationship;
(3) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to its
alliance with Australia under the ANZUS Treaty and to the
importance of security cooperation between the United States
and Australia and the importance of their mutual security
commitments, as was demonstrated by their joint decision to
invoke Article IV of the Treaty, which commits both countries
to act to meet a common danger;
(4) reaffirms the importance of the trade and economic
relationship between Australia and the United States and
expresses its commitment to further strengthen it; and
(5) expresses its strong support for continued close
cooperation between Australia and the United States on economic
and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
Passed the House of Representatives October 16, 2001.
Attest:
Clerk.