[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 50 (Tuesday, May 2, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LUGAR (for himself, Mr. Biden, Mr. Kerry, and Mr. Obama):
  S. 2697. A bill to establish the position of the United States 
Ambassador for ASEAN; to the committee on Foreign Relations.
  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, today, I rise to introduce ``The U.S. 
Ambassador for ASEAN Act'', which signals the importance of bolstering 
the U.S.-ASEAN relationship for our mutual benefit.
  ASEAN was originally established in 1967. The founding Members, 
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, remain as 
anchor participants of ASEAN today. Overall membership has expanded, 
with ten countries now comprising ASEAN.
  Over the years, ASEAN has contributed to regional stability in East 
Asia and has partnered with the United States to combat global terror. 
In addition to promoting regional peace and stability, ASEAN is 
committed to accelerating economic growth, social progress, and 
cultural development.
  ASEAN is the third largest export market for United States products, 
and has received approximately $90 billion in direct investment from 
U.S. sources. Nearly 40,000 ASEAN students are studying in the United 
States.
  The United States maintains bilateral relationships with the ASEAN 
Member countries. However, as ASEAN develops an integrated free trade 
area and addresses matters of common concern with the United States--
ranging from environmental and financial challenges to avian influenza 
and terrorism--it is appropriate for the United States to enhance its 
overall relationship with ASEAN.
  With this in mind, my legislation establishes the position of U.S. 
Ambassador for ASEAN, subject to advice and consent of the Senate. I 
believe this initiative will be an important step in advancing an 
already positive relationship. In addition, I am hopeful that once the 
position is established, the U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN will help 
facilitate ongoing implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced 
Partnership, announced last November by ASEAN leaders and President 
Bush.
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