[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 153 (Monday, September 25, 2017)]
[House]
[Pages H7444-H7446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THAT FOR 50 YEARS THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH EAST ASIAN
NATIONS HAS WORKED TOWARD STABILITY, PROSPERITY, AND PEACE IN SOUTHEAST
ASIA
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 311) recognizing that for 50 years the
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has worked toward
stability, prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 311
Whereas on September 10, 1977, the United States and the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (in this resolution
referred to as ``ASEAN'') established dialogue relations,
with 2017 marking the 40th anniversary of United States-ASEAN
relations;
Whereas on August 8, 2017, ASEAN will celebrate fifty years
of regional cooperation towards greater stability, peace, and
prosperity in Southeast Asia;
Whereas on April 29, 2008, the United States was the first
non-ASEAN country to appoint an ambassador to ASEAN and the
United States became the first dialogue partner to establish
a permanent mission to ASEAN in 2010;
Whereas the United States committed in 2009 to hold an
annual United States-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting, and upgraded the
commitment in 2012 to an annual United States-ASEAN Summit;
Whereas on April 20, 2017, Vice President Mike Pence met
with the ASEAN Secretary General and ASEAN Permanent
Representatives in Jakarta, Indonesia, and stated that the
United States-ASEAN relationship ``without a doubt has
benefitted both ASEAN and America--diplomatically,
economically, and from the standpoint of national security'';
Whereas on February 16, 2016, at the Sunnylands Summit in
California, the United States and ASEAN reaffirmed their
shared commitment to maintain peace, security, and stability
throughout the region;
Whereas in 2013 ASEAN, as a whole, was the seventh-largest
economy in the world with an annual Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) of $2.4 trillion, and is the United States' fourth-
largest export market with total exports reaching
$102,000,000,000 in 2015;
Whereas the United States and ASEAN have strong economic
ties, as the United States is the single largest investor in
ASEAN with accumulated United States foreign direct
investment totaling almost $226,000,000,000 as of 2014, and
economic relations with ASEAN supporting more than 500,000
jobs in the United States;
Whereas the United States-ASEAN partnership is vital to the
security interests of the United States, as both the United
States and the members of ASEAN have a shared common interest
in a peaceful resolution of the South China Sea disputes and
achieving a denuclearized North Korea;
Whereas on November 4, 2002, the Declaration on the Conduct
of Parties in the South China Sea was signed by all members
of ASEAN and the People's Republic of China, committing all
parties to ``exercise self-restraint in the conduct of
activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and
affect peace and stability'';
Whereas ASEAN is a partner to the United States on key
transnational challenges, such as terrorism, violent
extremism, environmental degradation, energy, infectious
diseases, disarmament, proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction, cybersecurity, trafficking in persons, illicit
trafficking of wildlife and timber, and illegal, unregulated,
and unreported fishing; and
Whereas the 2016 East Asia Summit in Vientiane adopted a
statement on nonproliferation that reaffirmed the United
States, ASEAN, and other Dialogue Partners' support for
efforts at the national, regional, and international level to
promote nuclear disarmament, nuclear nonproliferation, and
peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and reiterated the
importance of nuclear security to combating nuclear
terrorism: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports and affirms the elevation of the United
States-ASEAN relationship to a strategic partnership, and
reaffirms the United States commitment to promoting a rules-
based order in the Asia-Pacific and economic growth, peace,
human rights and stability in Southeast Asia;
(2) recognizes the value of ASEAN working with economic,
political, and security partners, such as Australia, Canada,
the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the
Republic of Korea, and Taiwan both inside and outside of
Asia, to both strengthen existing initiatives such as the
United States-ASEAN Connect and to develop new initiatives
that address mutual strategic concerns;
(3) encourages the enhancement of economic engagement
between the United States and ASEAN through the elimination
of trade barriers;
(4) supports cooperation with ASEAN to implement practical
counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism measures,
including efforts to counter homegrown radicalization and
stem foreign fighter travel;
(5) supports efforts by ASEAN member states and other
regional states, including the People's Republic of China, to
address maritime and territorial disputes in a constructive
manner and to pursue claims, through diplomacy and the use of
legitimate regional and international arbitration mechanisms,
consistent with international law, including through the
adoption of a code of conduct in the South China Sea to
further promote peace and stability in the region;
(6) urges all parties to maritime and territorial disputes
in the Asia-Pacific region to--
(A) exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities
that would undermine stability or escalate disputes through
the use of coercion, intimidation, or military force; and
(B) refrain from efforts to militarize uninhabited islands,
reefs, shoals, and other features, through actions including
the construction of new garrisons and facilities, and the
relocation of additional military personnel, materiel, or
equipment; and
(7) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to
continue joint efforts with ASEAN to halt human smuggling and
trafficking in persons and urges ASEAN to make increased
efforts to create and strengthen regional mechanisms to
provide assistance and support to refugees and migrants.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
[[Page H7445]]
General Leave
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their
remarks and to include any extraneous material in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Congressman Joaquin Castro and
Congresswoman Ann Wagner for introducing this timely measure.
This is an important but, frankly, often overlooked part of the
world. This is Southeast Asia.
Mr. Speaker, Southeast Asian nations came together 50 years ago to
promote regional cooperation. Their goal was to achieve greater
stability and peace and prosperity by creating the Association of South
East Asian Nations. We know this as ASEAN today.
This year marks their 50th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of
relations between the United States and ASEAN.
This year, President Trump will visit the region for the first time
in November for the East Asia and ASEAN summits in the Philippines, and
the local leadership are going to be meeting in Vietnam.
Today, ASEAN is a force for peace and prosperity in the world, and
the relationship the U.S. has with ASEAN has benefited both sides
diplomatically, economically, and in global security.
ASEAN is the fourth largest goods export market for the United
States, and we are ASEAN's fourth largest trading partner. As the
second fastest-growing economy in Asia, with a combined economy of $2.5
trillion, the importance of the ASEAN market for the United States is
considerable.
Mr. Speaker, we are working with ASEAN to address security challenges
and threats, especially in the fight against terrorism, with the
recognition now of the emergence of ISIS fighting forces in the region.
Last month, Secretary of State Tillerson voiced support for increased
cooperation on border security, information sharing to track
individuals, and routing out and finding the source of terror financing
networks, finding their safe havens.
With so many challenges in the region today, as we look at the
democratic backsliding in Cambodia, the plight of the Rohingya in
Burma, it is more important than ever that we engage Southeast Asian
nations in the ASEAN grouping to solve regional problems.
We must also cooperate with ASEAN on the threat of North Korea and
have better coordination on maritime activities with regard to
security, environmental impact, and border and fishing regulations.
For all of these reasons today, the House of Representatives
reaffirms the importance of the U.S.-ASEAN partnership and recommits to
continuing engagement and cooperation.
Passage of this resolution demonstrates our support for ASEAN as an
institution and the United States' strategic relationship with
Southeast Asian nations.
I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this measure.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1530
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume,
and I rise in support of this measure.
Mr. Speaker, let me start by thanking the authors of this resolution,
two valued members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Castro from
Texas and Mrs. Wagner from Missouri.
In addition to bringing this legislation forward, these two lawmakers
established the first ever Congressional ASEAN Caucus. I am grateful
for their leadership helping to advance American interests in the Asia
Pacific.
Part of ensuring America's strong role in that region is our work
with ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations. This
organization has worked to promote stability, prosperity, and peace
among the countries of Southeast Asia. It is in our own strategic
interest to see stronger countries, closer partnership, healthier
economies, so our own success in Asia is closely tied to the success of
ASEAN and its members.
This resolution underscores the accomplishments of ASEAN as it marks
its 50th anniversary. It sends a signal to our partners and friends in
Southeast Asia that the United States is committed to peace and
prosperity in the region, and it puts Congress on record saying that,
in this challenging time, the United States must remain engaged around
the world, particularly in the Asia Pacific.
The administration's budget proposed a 46 percent cut to assistance
in East Asia and the Pacific. I think this would be a grave mistake.
What kind of impact would that have on American-backed initiatives that
are having a positive impact? What message does it send to the
countries that we depend on as partners?
Rather than drawing back, America should be even more engaged in the
Asia Pacific. This measure reaffirms our commitment to America's
leadership in the region.
I want to end by thanking the authors, and I want to compliment
Chairman Royce, who knows more about this region of the world than
virtually anybody in Congress, and has been to that part of the world--
I have gone with him many times--and the United States Congress has
shown the ability to work with countries for the betterment of their
people, for the betterment of our relationship with them.
Mr. Speaker, this measure reaffirms our commitment to America's
leadership in the region. I thank the authors, I thank Chairman Royce,
and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), an esteemed member of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the primary cosponsor of this
resolution.
Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership and
support.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 311, the resolution I
was honored to introduce with my colleague Representative Castro, to
commemorate the Association of South East Asian Nations' 50th
anniversary, and the 40th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN relations.
We intend for this resolution to raise awareness within and outside
of Congress about Southeast Asia's critical role in the global order.
Southeast Asia has tremendous cultural, political, historical, and
religious diversity.
The Association of South East Asian Nations, known as ASEAN, was
formed in 1967, in part, to create a bulwark against communism in the
region among the five founding nations.
Today, ASEAN's goals have evolved, and the region is experiencing
tremendous growth. ASEAN now includes 10 major countries in Southeast
Asia, which together have established a major regional economic
integration agenda.
ASEAN is our fourth largest goods exports market. $102 billion of
U.S. goods and services are exported to ASEAN, meaning this market
rivals our $113 billion market in China.
According to the ASEAN Matters for America report, 20 U.S. States
send over $1 billion in goods exports to ASEAN annually, and over half
of the U.S. congressional districts export over $100 million to ASEAN
each year. These numbers are astounding, and they will only grow, Mr.
Speaker.
In January, I cofounded the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on ASEAN,
along with my partner Representative Castro. The caucus acknowledges
America's strategic partnership with ASEAN and attests that America
must be the foremost trade and defense partner for ASEAN countries.
H. Res. 311 was one of the caucus' first initiatives. The resolution
encourages the enhancement of economic and defense cooperation with
ASEAN. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to continue joint efforts with
ASEAN to halt human smuggling and human trafficking and urges ASEAN to
improve assistance to refugees and migrants.
Standing alongside our ASEAN peers is important this fall, given the
rise of Chinese aggression in the South China Sea; the ethnic cleansing
of Rohingya Muslims in Burma; the need to seriously engage ASEAN
leaders on our North Korean efforts; the typhoon and flooding affecting
the region; the enormous investment opportunities; and
[[Page H7446]]
the upcoming ASEAN summit that the President will attend in November.
I am grateful that the Speaker and the chairman, Chairman Royce,
support our efforts to engage ASEAN, and I look forward to watching H.
Res. 311 pass the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Castro), who is the author of this legislation.
Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Engel for
yielding me this time and also thank Chairman Royce for all of his work
in this region of the world.
Representative Wagner and I cofounded the Congressional Caucus on
ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations, earlier this year
to deepen the United States' and Congress' engagement with Southeast
Asia.
H. Res. 311, the resolution we are considering here today,
commemorates the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN. It also
marks 40 years of relations between the United States and ASEAN.
This measure highlights the work ASEAN has done towards improving
stability, prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia. It also speaks to
the importance of continued security cooperation, economic partnership,
and cultural engagement between the United States and ASEAN.
ASEAN serves as an example of successful regional cooperation. The
nations of Southeast Asia, despite distinct histories, cultures, and
religions, have placed their faith in cooperation rather than conflict.
U.S. security interests in Southeast Asia are wide-ranging and
supported by many regional partners. Members of ASEAN have worked
closely with the United States to address our mutual concerns.
The member states of ASEAN also hold significant economic promise,
and our economic relationship underpins much of U.S. engagement in the
region.
My home State of Texas, for example, exports over $13 billion worth
of goods to ASEAN countries every year. These exports support over
70,000 Texas jobs and over 500,000 jobs across the United States.
The U.S.-ASEAN relationship is also built on history and cultural
exchange. Millions of Americans can trace their family roots to
countries of ASEAN, including 400,000 Texans. Language, literature,
food, and music link our cultures across the ocean, set roots, and
enrich both our societies.
Mr. Speaker, for these reasons and many more, it is important that we
recognize and commemorate the impact of ASEAN across the years.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I also want to echo Chairman Royce's support
of H. Res. 311, and I want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Engel; my
colleagues, Mr. Castro and Mrs. Wagner, for bringing this resolution
up, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Association of South East
Asian Nations and the 40th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN ties.
As chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific, the block of 10 ASEAN members, we had a meeting earlier in the
year. They said the primary reason ASEAN is successful is because of
U.S. involvement. I think that speaks highly of U.S. foreign policy.
The 10 members of ASEAN are some of the most dynamic nations in the
world, and Southeast Asia's economic and strategic importance grows
every day.
As the chairman noted, ASEAN is our fourth largest trading partner
and is the second fastest growing in Asia. With a combined population
of over 600 million people and an economy of $2.5 trillion, the
opportunity for U.S. industry is immense. As a security partner, ASEAN
also is invaluable, recognizing that for the 50 years the Association
of South East Asian Nations, ASEAN, has worked towards stability,
prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia.
The grouping is strategically located astride some of the world's
most critical sea lanes and shares the U.S. pursuit of regional
stability through rules, order, and peaceful dispute settlements.
This resolution rightly highlights enduring U.S. interests in
Southeast Asia and conveys our commitment to stay engaged.
Mr. Speaker, I again thank Representatives Wagner and Castro for
introducing this measure. As the founding members of the ASEAN Caucus,
their work on this bill underscores the centrality of ASEAN to
Congress' foreign policy for Asia.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
The Asia Pacific presents the perfect case of what might happen if
the United States withdraws from the world. In recent years, our focus
there, especially working with ASEAN and its members, has really helped
to promote growth and stability in that region of the world, to enhance
human rights, and the rule of law.
It is important for us to stay engaged. If we draw back, it is pretty
clear that China would be happy to fill the void, and I guarantee the
values we consider critical to foreign policy, democracy, justice, and
equality would not be part of the agenda in Beijing. We need to stay
engaged in Asia and around the world. We need to demonstrate that
American leadership is a sure thing.
The resolution before us today will provide much needed reassurance
to our partners and friends in Southeast Asia. Even Vietnam works with
us. I remember, and others here remember, when we had the Vietnam war.
Now we have so many Vietnam Americans in our country, and they help to
really be good citizens and really help to show why it is important for
us to keep engaged in that part of the world.
We will underscore the important role ASEAN stands to play, just as
it has in the last 50 years. Again, it is important to reassure our
partners and friends in Southeast Asia--I mentioned Vietnam, but all
the other countries that belong to ASEAN.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this measure. I thank Chairman
Royce, I urge all Members to support it, and I yield back the balance
of my time.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of
my time.
The first point I would make is I think our ranking member, Mr. Eliot
Engel, makes a very strong point about the importance of engagement.
I think, as a second point, U.S.-ASEAN engagement has trended up in
recent years. I think it remains strong. I think it has a bright
outlook. In 2015, the U.S.-ASEAN relationship was elevated to a
strategic partnership, an important step by the U.S.
2016 marked two important firsts: the first U.S.-ASEAN summit at
Sunnylands, and the first ever visit of a sitting U.S. President to
Laos. As an important economic and security partner, ASEAN shares the
U.S. pursuit of regional stability through rules, through order,
through the peaceful dispute settlement process, as our ranking member
pointed out. This resolution signals our resolve to maintain and deepen
our collaboration with our friends and allies in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of our colleagues here to join us in support
of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 311, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________