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S.Res.370 / 114th Congress

A resolution recognizing that for nearly 40 years, the United States and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have worked toward stability, prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia.

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S825-827)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 10, 2016

Welcomes the leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the United States for the February 2016 U.S.-ASEAN summit meeting at Rancho Mirage, California.

Supports the elevation of the United States-ASEAN relationship to a strategic partnership and recommits the United States to ASEAN centrality.

Urges ASEAN to continue its efforts to foster greater integration and unity.

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Supports efforts by ASEAN nations to address maritime and territorial disputes through peaceful, diplomatic, and legitimate regional and international arbitration mechanisms.

Urges all parties to maritime and territorial disputes in the Asia-Pacific region to: (1) respect the status quo; (2) cease land reclamation activities; and (3) refrain from inhabiting or garrisoning or otherwise militarizing uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, and other features.

Opposes: (1) unilateral declarations of administrative and military districts in contested areas in the South China Sea, (2) the imposition of new fishing regulations covering disputed areas in the South China Sea, and (3) actions to prevent another country from exercising its sovereign rights to the resources of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Urges parties to refrain from unilateral actions that cause permanent physical change to the marine environment.

Supports efforts by ASEAN and China to develop an effective Code of Conduct.

Urges ASEAN to reaffirm the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague's ruling with respect to the case between the Philippines and China.

Supports efforts by U.S. partners and allies in ASEAN to enhance the maritime capabilities of a country or regional organizations to respond to emerging maritime threats and illegal activities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Reaffirms the enhancement of U.S.-ASEAN economic engagement, including the elimination of barriers to cross-border commerce.

Supports: (1) the Lower Mekong Initiative, (2) the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and (3) capacity building for the promotion of human rights.

Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to continue joint efforts with ASEAN to halt human smuggling and trafficking of persons.

Encourages the President to communicate to ASEAN leaders the importance of releasing political prisoners and ending politically motivated prosecutions.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD] · D–MD

Committees

  • Foreign Relations Committee
6 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S825-827)

  2. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze S.Res.370 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine S.Res.370 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine S.Res.370 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine S.Res.370 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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