*EPF518 07/21/00
Text: International Relations Committee on Pacific Charter Bill
(H.R. 4899 calls for establishment of policy commission) (580)

Representative Benjamin Gilman (Republican of New York), chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, introduced legislation July 20 "to establish a commission to develop an American foreign policy that would promote economic and military security" in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a July 21 press release.

H.R. 4899 was referred to the House Committee on International Relations, which is expected to consider the bill this September.

The bill joins two other bills affecting Asia that Gilman introduced to the House in July: H.R. 4829, a bill introduced July 12 that would require the United States to monitor China's weapons proliferation activities and impose sanctions, and H.R. 4860, a bill introduced July 13 that would penalize the North Korean government for its weapons proliferation activities.

Following is the text of a press release on H.R. 4899 from the House Committee on International Relations:

(begin text)

HOUSE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
PRESS RELEASE

DATE: July 21, 2000
FOR RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACT: Lester Munson 202-225-8097 ([email protected])

GILMAN CALLS FOR ASIAN PACIFIC CHARTER COMMISSION

WASHINGTON (July 21) -- As world leaders met in Japan this week, U.S. Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman (20th-NY), Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, introduced legislation to establish a commission to develop an American foreign policy that would promote economic and military security in the Pacific region of Asia.

"Asia is a region vital to the future of our nation. Just as we could not take Europe for granted during the Cold War, we must not take Asia for granted as we enter the 21st Century. It is incumbent upon us as a global leader to provide the leadership that will both protect our interests and, at the same time, keep the peace," said Gilman.

Gilman's Pacific Charter bill, H.R. 4899, would establish a commission of seven members from outside the government, with an interest and expertise relating to Asia, chosen by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate. Commissioners, who would serve for six years, would develop a new U.S. foreign policy for the Asian Pacific region.

The commission would be guided by principles established in the legislation of effective security, prevention of regional hegemony by one nation, promotion of democracy and the rule of law, respect for human and religious rights, and expansion of trade on a reciprocal basis.

"At a time when some Asians perceive the American approach to foreign policy as being uncertain, and some are questioning our sincerity and commitment to the region, the Asian Pacific Charter Commission can turn us in a different direction," said Gilman.

Gilman noted that "American troops stationed in the region have declined from 135,000 in 1990 to 85,000 in 1996. In 1992, strategic U.S. bases in the Philippines were closed. Yet, the most significant challenge to peace and prosperity in Asia is the rise of a regional hegemon, a role most likely to be filled by the People's Republic of China."

"We need a new national policy toward Asia -- one which addresses in a forthright manner both the opportunities and challenges presented by a continent in flux," concluded Gilman.

Gilman's bill has been referred to his International Relations Committee. Consideration by the Committee is expected in September of this year.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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