HR-6181 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 6181, also known as the "U.S.-ASEAN Center Act," authorizes the Secretary of State to support the establishment of a U.S.-ASEAN Center in the United States through a public-private partnership. The purpose of the center is to promote economic and cultural engagement between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The center's functions include:

• Providing grants for research to support the U.S.-ASEAN partnership.
• Facilitating activities to strengthen U.S.-ASEAN trade and investment.
• Expanding economic and technological relationships between ASEAN countries and the United States.
• Providing training to improve ties between people from the United States and ASEAN countries.
• Developing educational programs to increase awareness of the importance of relations between the United States and ASEAN countries.
• Carrying out other activities to strengthen ties between the United States and ASEAN countries.

The Secretary of State is authorized to use appropriated funds, including those authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to carry out this section. The Secretary must ensure that the center's activities do not duplicate existing efforts by the U.S. Government or its grantees.