[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4776-S4777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REGARDING THE TREATY OF MUTUAL COOPERATION AND SECURITY BETWEEN THE 
                   UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND JAPAN

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar No. 52, Senate 
Resolution 58.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 58) to state the sense of the Senate 
     that the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between 
     the United States of America and Japan is essential for 
     furthering the security interests of the United States, 
     Japan, and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, and that 
     the people of Okinawa deserve recognition for their 
     contributions toward ensuring the Treaty's implementation.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the resolution?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to 
the resolution be placed at the appropriate place in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 58) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, is as follows:
       Whereas the Senate finds that the Treaty of Mutual 
     Cooperation and Security Between the United States of America 
     and Japan is critical to the security interests of the United 
     States, Japan and the countries of the Asian Pacific region;
       Whereas the security relationship between the United States 
     and Japan is the foundation for the security strategy of the 
     United States in the Asia-Pacific region;
       Whereas strong security ties between the two countries 
     provide a key stabilizing influence in an uncertain post-cold 
     war world;
       Whereas this bilateral security relationship makes it 
     possible for the United States and Japan to preserve their 
     interests in the Asia-Pacific region;
       Whereas forward-deployed forces of the United States are 
     welcomed by allies of the United States in the region because 
     such forces are critical for maintaining stability in the 
     Asia-Pacific region;
       Whereas regional stability has undergirded economic growth 
     and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region;

[[Page S4777]]

       Whereas the recognition by allies of the United States of 
     the importance of United States armed forces for security in 
     the Asia-Pacific region confers on the United States 
     irreplaceable good will and diplomatic influence in that 
     region;
       Whereas Japan's host nation support is a key element in the 
     ability of the United States to maintain forward-deployed 
     forces in that country;
       Whereas the Governments of the United States and Japan, in 
     the Special Action Committee on Okinawa Final Report issued 
     by the United States-Japan Security Consultative Committee 
     established by the two countries, have made commitments to 
     reducing the burdens of United States forces on the people of 
     Okinawa;
       Whereas such commitments will maintain the operational 
     capability and readiness of United States forces;
       Whereas the people of Okinawa have borne a disproportionate 
     share of the burdens of United States military bases in 
     Japan; and
       Whereas gaining the understanding and support of the people 
     of Okinawa in fulfilling these commitments is crucial to 
     effective implementation of the Treaty: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between 
     the United States of America and Japan remains vital to the 
     security interests of the United States and Japan, as well as 
     the security interests of the countries of the Asia-Pacific 
     region; and
       (2) the people of Okinawa deserve special recognition and 
     gratitude for their contributions toward ensuring the 
     treaty's implementation and regional peace and stability.

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