[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 82 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 178--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING THE 
                  UNITED STATES-EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT

  Mr. BENNETT (for himself and Mr. Lugar) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 178

       Whereas over the past 55 years the United States and the 
     European Union have built a strong transatlantic partnership 
     based upon the common values of freedom, democracy, rule of 
     law, human rights, security, and economic development;
       Whereas working together to promote these values globally 
     will serve the mutual political, economic, and security 
     interests of the United States and the European Union;
       Whereas cooperation between the United States and the 
     European Union on global security issues such as terrorism, 
     the Middle East peace process, the proliferation of weapons 
     of mass destruction, ballistic missile technology, and the 
     nuclear activities of rogue nations is important for 
     promoting international peace and security;
       Whereas the common efforts of the United States and the 
     European Union have supported freedom in countries such as 
     Lebanon, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, and 
     Uzbekistan;
       Whereas through coordination and cooperation during 
     emergencies such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, 
     the AIDS pandemic in Africa, and the ongoing situation in 
     Darfur, the United States and the European Union have 
     mitigated the effects of humanitarian disasters across the 
     globe;
       Whereas economic cooperation such as removing impediments 
     to transatlantic trade and investment, expanding regulatory 
     dialogues and exchanges, integrating capitol markets, and 
     ensuring the safe and secure movement of people and goods 
     across the Atlantic will increase prosperity and strengthen 
     the partnership between the United States and the European 
     Union; and
       Whereas although disagreements between the United States 
     and the European Union have existed on a variety of issues, 
     the transatlantic relationship remains strong and continues 
     to improve: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) welcomes the leadership of the European Union to the 
     2005 United States-European Union Summit to be held in 
     Washington, DC, on June 20, 2005;
       (2) highlights the importance of the United States and the 
     European Union working together to address global challenges;
       (3) recommends--
       (A) expanded political dialogue between Congress and the 
     European Parliament; and
       (B) that the 2005 United States-European Union Summit focus 
     on both short and long-term measures that will allow for 
     vigorous and active expansion of the transatlantic 
     relationship;
       (4) encourages--
       (A) the adoption of practical measures to expand the United 
     States-European Union economic relationship by reducing 
     obstacles that inhibit economic integration; and
       (B) encourages continued strong and expanded cooperation 
     between Congress and the European Parliament on global 
     security issues.

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