[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 115 (Monday, September 25, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H8029-H8031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PACIFIC CHARTER COMMISSION ACT OF 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4899) to establish a commission to promote a consistent and 
coordinated foreign policy of the United States to ensure economic and 
military security in the Pacific region of Asia through the promotion 
of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, free trade, and open 
markets, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4899

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Pacific Charter Commission 
     Act of 2000''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to promote a consistent and coordinated foreign policy 
     of the United States to ensure economic and military security 
     in the Asia-Pacific region;
       (2) to support democratization, the rule of law, and human 
     rights in the Asia-Pacific region;
       (3) to promote United States exports to the Asia-Pacific 
     region by advancing economic cooperation;
       (4) to combat terrorism and the spread of illicit narcotics 
     in the Asia-Pacific region; and
       (5) to advocate an active role for the United States 
     Government in diplomacy, security, and the furtherance of 
     good governance and the rule of law in the Asia-Pacific 
     region.

     SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

       There is established a commission to be known as the 
     Pacific Charter Commission (hereafter in this Act referred to 
     as the ``Commission'').

     SEC. 4. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

       (a) Duties.--The Commission shall establish and carry out, 
     either directly or through nongovernmental organizations, 
     programs, projects, and activities to achieve the purposes 
     described in section 2, including research and educational or 
     legislative exchanges between the United States and countries 
     in the Asia-Pacific region.
       (b) Monitoring of Developments.--The Commission shall 
     monitor developments in countries of the Asia-Pacific region 
     with respect to United States foreign policy toward such 
     countries, the status of democratization, the rule of law and 
     human rights in the region, economic relations among the 
     United States and such countries, and activities related to 
     terrorism and the illicit narcotics trade.
       (c) Policy Review and Recommendations.--In carrying out 
     this section, the Commission shall evaluate United States 
     Government policies toward countries of the Asia-Pacific 
     region and recommend options for policies of the United 
     States Government with respect to such countries, with a 
     particular emphasis on countries that are of importance to 
     the foreign policy, economic, and military interests of the 
     United States.
       (d) Contacts With Other Entities.--In performing the 
     functions described in subsections (a) through (c), the 
     Commission shall, as appropriate, seek out and maintain 
     contacts with nongovernmental organizations, international 
     organizations, and representatives of industry, including 
     receiving reports and updates from such organizations and 
     evaluating such reports.
       (e) Annual Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, and not later than the end of 
     each 12-month period thereafter, the Commission shall prepare 
     and submit to the President and the Congress a report that 
     contains the findings of the Commission during the preceding 
     12-month period. Each such report shall contain--
       (1) recommendations for legislative, executive, or other 
     actions resulting from the evaluation of policies described 
     in subsection (c); and
       (2) a description of programs, projects, and activities of 
     the Commission for the prior year; and
       (3) a complete accounting of the expenditures made by the 
     Commission during the prior year.
       (f) Congressional Hearings on Annual Report.--The Committee 
     on International Relations of the House of Representatives 
     and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, shall, 
     not later than 45 days after the receipt by the Congress of 
     the report referred to in subsection (c), hold hearings on 
     the report, including any recommendations contained therein.
       (g) Advisory Committees.--The Commission may establish such 
     advisory committees as the Commission determines to be 
     necessary to advise the Commission on policy matters relating 
     to the Asia-Pacific region and to otherwise carry out this 
     Act.

     SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMISSION.

       (a) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 7 
     members all of whom--

[[Page H8030]]

       (1) shall be citizens of the United States who are not 
     officers or employees of any government, except to the extent 
     they are considered such officers or employees by virtue of 
     their membership on the Commission; and
       (2) shall have interest and expertise in issues relating to 
     the Asia-Pacific region.
       (b) Appointment.--
       (1) In general.--The individuals referred to in subsection 
     (a) shall be appointed--
       (A) by the President, after consultation with the Speaker 
     and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the 
     Chairman and ranking member of the Committee on International 
     Relations of the House of Representatives, the Majority 
     Leader and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Chairman 
     and ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of 
     the Senate; and
       (B) by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
       (2) Political affiliation.--Not more than 4 of the 
     individuals appointed under paragraph (1) may be affiliated 
     with the same political party.
       (c) Term.--Each member of the Commission shall be appointed 
     for a term of 6 years.
       (d) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled 
     in the same manner in which the original appointment was 
     made.
       (e) Chairperson; Vice Chairperson.--The President shall 
     designate a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the 
     Commission from among the members of the Commission.
       (f) Compensation.--
       (1) Rates of pay.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     members of the Commission shall serve without pay.
       (2) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Commission may 
     receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of 
     title 5, United States Code.
       (g) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chairperson.
       (h) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission 
     shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may 
     hold hearings.
       (i) Affirmative Determinations.--An affirmative vote by a 
     majority of the members of the Commission shall be required 
     for any affirmative determination by the Commission under 
     section 4.

     SEC. 6. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

       (a) Hearings and Investigations.--The Commission may hold 
     such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take 
     such testimony and receive such evidence, and conduct such 
     investigations as the Commission considers advisable to carry 
     out this Act.
       (b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may 
     secure directly from any Federal department or agency such 
     information as the Commission considers necessary to carry 
     out this Act. Upon request of the Chairperson of the 
     Commission, the head of any such department agency shall 
     furnish such information to the Commission as expeditiously 
     as possible.
       (c) Contributions.--The Commission may accept, use, and 
     dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of services or 
     property, both real and personal, for the purpose of 
     assisting or facilitating the work of the Commission. Gifts, 
     bequests, or devises of money and proceeds from sales of 
     other property received as gifts, bequests, or devises shall 
     be deposited in the Treasury and shall be available for 
     disbursement upon order of the Commission.
       (d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails 
     in the same manner and under the same conditions as other 
     departments and agencies of the United States.

     SEC. 7. STAFF AND SUPPORT SERVICES OF COMMISSION.

       (a) Executive Director.--The Commission shall have an 
     executive director appointed by the Commission after 
     consultation with the Speaker and Minority Leader of the 
     House of Representatives and the Majority Leader and Minority 
     Leader of the Senate. The executive director shall serve the 
     Commission under such terms and conditions as the Commission 
     determines to be appropriate.
       (b) Staff.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of 
     such additional personnel, not to exceed 10 individuals, as 
     it considers appropriate.
       (c) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the 
     chairperson of the Commission, the head of any Federal agency 
     may detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel 
     of the agency to the Commission to assist the Commission in 
     carrying out its duties under this Act.
       (d) Experts and Consultants.--The chairperson of the 
     Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services 
     under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.

     SEC. 9. TERMINATION.

       The Commission shall terminate not later than 5 years after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this Act $2,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 
     2001 and 2002.
       (b) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the 
     authorization of appropriations under subsection (a) are 
     authorized to remain available until expended.

     SEC. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act shall take effect on February 1, 2001.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).


                             General Leave

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on this measure.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, shortly after World War II, the great 
American soldier and statesman George Marshall said that a safe and 
free America depends on a safe and free Europe. Marshall, of course, 
was emphasizing the importance of Europe to the United States at that 
time. Permit me to suggest that Marshall's paradigm has changed. Today, 
he could have stated that a safe and free America depends upon a 
democratic, safe and free Asia.
  Before the summer recess, I introduced H.R. 4899, legislation to 
establish a Pacific Charter Commission. The purpose of the commission 
would be to create a charter that would promote a consistent and 
coordinated foreign policy which would ensure economic and military 
security in the Pacific region of Asia.
  The charter would attempt to obtain those goals through the promotion 
of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, free trade, and open 
markets. Obviously, this region is vital to the future of our Nation. 
Over the past 50 years, Asia has become a significant center of 
international economic and military power. Our Nation has seen the 
blood of its sons and daughters shed on Asian soil in defense of our 
national interests and in fighting tyranny. America has fought three 
wars in Asia since 1941 and American military personnel, our soldiers, 
our sailors, our airmen and Marines, have been engaged in ensuring 
peace across the Pacific.
  In 1941, our Nation and Great Britain laid down a set of principles 
of foreign policy conduct. That was called the Atlantic Charter. 
Similarly, I propose that we establish a Pacific Charter Commission 
that would assist our government in laying out the principles for our 
policies in Asia in the 21st century.
  Such a Pacific Charter would articulate America's long-term goals and 
objectives in the Pacific and link them with the means for 
implementation. It would be a comprehensive model for our involvement 
in that region supporting our national interests and assuring others of 
our intention to remain a Pacific power. Further, it would demonstrate 
that our Nation is placing its relations with Asia in the 21st century 
on a par comparable to that which has informed its relations with 
Europe over the latter half of the 20th century.
  The time has come to lay out an architecture of policy that will 
establish our intention to remain engaged in Asia and the terms of our 
continued engagement. A commission to establish a Pacific Charter for 
the 21st century would provide the framework for such a policy and 
would ensure the entire region, allies and otherwise, of the 
continuation of a leadership that is consistent, coherent and 
coordinated.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 4899.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. 
I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  I would first like to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Gilman) for introducing the legislation before the House today. The 
U.S. is facing many foreign policy challenges in the Asia-Pacific 
region, challenges which are certain to grow in importance in the years 
ahead.
  On the human rights side, political dissidents and religious 
minorities continue to be persecuted in China. Burma has tightened its 
control on political dissidents, and East Timorese refugees are living 
under horrible conditions in camps ruled by armed militias.
  On the security side, North Korea missile and nuclear programs 
continue to pose a threat to the U.S.; managing the defense 
relationship with Japan requires high level attention; Taiwan's

[[Page H8031]]

security is under increasing threat from the PRC; and we must decide 
whether to cover certain Asian countries under a theater missile 
defense.
  On the economic side, our trade deficit with China continues to grow 
to unprecedented levels; U.S. firms continue to face great difficulties 
operating in the Japanese market; and we must decide how the U.S. will 
deal with calls for greater economic integration among the Asian 
nations.
  The Pacific Charter Commission created by the legislation before the 
House today could help the administration and Congress get the 
information and analysis needed to craft effective and informed foreign 
policy in that region.
  The commission will also closely review U.S. policy toward the Asia-
Pacific region and make recommendations to increase its effectiveness. 
Given the complexity of the political, security and economic problems 
facing U.S. policymakers in the region, the commission can help give 
voice to Asia-Pacific experts outside of the executive and 
congressional branches of government as well.
  Obviously, the commission will only be as effective as its chairman 
and commissioners, but with strong leadership, the commission could 
help the U.S. pursue human rights, democracy, trade and security 
matters in Asia.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4889.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in the Extension of remarks 
accompanying the introduction of H.R. 4899, there seems to be a desire 
for the proposed Commission to prefer one nation to another. India over 
China.
  There is always a danger that we will codify a temporary mindset so 
as to put ourselves in a policy box where the principles and boundaries 
of our foreign policy becomes rigid; where a future Congress and chief 
Executive will be unable to alter course as our national interest 
compels; and where we may surrender our freedom of choice.
  Lastly, I question the good that this nation can derived by so 
explicitly preferring India over China, whereby prompted by our 
affection for India, we may withhold criticism of India's actions and 
policies in the regional conflicts of South Asia. This can be seen as 
hostile to the people of Pakistan.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4899, The 
Asian Pacific Charter Commission Act of 2000. This legislation will 
establish a commission to promote a consistent and coordinated foreign 
policy of the United States to ensure economic and military security in 
the Pacific region of Asia through the promotion of democracy, human 
rights, the rule of law, free trade, and open markets.
  I would first like to thank the gentleman from New York, Chairman Ben 
Gilman, for his leadership in introducing this measure. I don't need to 
remind my Colleagues about Congressman Gilman's courageous service in 
World War II in the Pacific theater. Serving as a Staff Sergeant in the 
19th Bomb Group of the 20th Army Air Force, Congressman Gilman flew 35 
missions over Japan and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the 
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters. Furthermore, I want to commend 
Chairman Gilman's dedication to promoting democracy and the rule of law 
in the Pacific region throughout his entire career.
  As the proud Representative from Guam, which is located only 1,600 
miles away from the Philippines, I strongly believe that H.R. 4899 is a 
step in the right direction in bringing together a commission which is 
designed to reinforce the United States commitment to a stable Pacific 
Region. Such a commission must clearly focus on human rights, the 
promotion of free and fair elections, constructive military 
partnerships, and basic coordination and communication between the 
United States and our friends and allies in the Pacific. Given Guam's 
strategic location within the Pacific Basin, I would like to contribute 
and play a constructive role in this new commission.
  Congress must promote a consistent foreign policy which seeks to 
spread democracy through peaceful and constructive means. H.R. 4899 
clearly serves this purpose. I encourage all Members to support this 
important resolution.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 4899, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to 
establish a commission to promote a consistent and coordinated foreign 
policy of the United States to ensure economic and military security in 
the Asia-Pacific region through the promotion of democracy, human 
rights, the rule of law, and for other purposes.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________