II Calendar No. 457 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2697 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 2, 2006 Mr. Lugar (for himself, Mr. Biden, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Obama, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Bond, and Mr. Akaka) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations May 25, 2006 Reported by Mr. Lugar, with amendments and an amendment to the title Insert the parts printed in italic A BILL To establish the position of the United States Ambassador for ASEAN.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the United States Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Act.

2.

Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1)The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (referred to in this Act as ASEAN) was established in 1967, with an initial membership of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. (2)ASEAN is committed to accelerating economic growth, social progress, cultural development and regional peace and stability. (3)The membership of ASEAN has expanded to 10 countries since its establishment in 1967. (4)The United States seeks to maintain and further develop a constructive and cordial relationship with ASEAN. (5)The countries comprising ASEAN— (A)constitute the 3rd largest export market for United States products; (B)have received nearly $90,000,000,000 in direct investment from United States sources; and (C)are developing an integrated free trade area. (6)Trade between the United States and the countries comprising ASEAN totals approximately $130,000,000,000. (7)ASEAN continues to contribute to regional stability in East Asia and has partnered with the United States to combat global terror. (8)In 2006, approximately 38,000 students from the countries comprising ASEAN were studying in the United States. (9)The countries comprising ASEAN share a common concern with the United States regarding— (A)the spread of avian influenza and other diseases; and (B)environmental issues, such as the preservation of biodiversity and the prevention of illegal logging. (10)It is in the long-term interest of the United States to maintain and expand a relationship with ASEAN. (11)The United States does not have an Ambassador to ASEAN, which limits the ability of the United States and ASEAN to respond quickly and appropriately to events of mutual interest.

3.

United States Ambassador for ASEAN

(a)

Appointment

There is established in the Department of State the position of United States Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs, who shall be appointed by the President, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. (b)

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific should be designated as the Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs.

Amend the title so as to read: To establish the position of the United States Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs.. May 25, 2006 Reported with amendments and an amendment to the title