Sponsors (4)
Authorizes the President to extend the diplomatic privileges and immunities provided by the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The President may make that extension on whatever terms and conditions the President chooses, and the treatment must be equivalent to that given to a public international organization in which the United States participates.
Add a new section (titled "18 Extension of Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations") to the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288 et seq.).
Authorize the President, under such terms and conditions as the President shall determine, to extend the provisions of the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Require that any extension to ASEAN be made in the same manner, to the same extent, and subject to the same conditions as the Act may be extended to a public international organization in which the United States participates pursuant to a treaty or under the authority of an Act of Congress authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such participation.
Who is affected and how:
ASEAN and its officials: Could receive diplomatic privileges and immunities in the United States similar to those enjoyed by public international organizations, easing diplomatic activity, personnel movement, and operations.
Department of State and federal agencies: Would administer and implement any extension, adjust procedures for visas, accreditation, and interaction with ASEAN offices, and handle coordination with other agencies when immunities apply.
U.S. courts and law enforcement: May see reduced jurisdiction over actions by ASEAN or covered officials when immunities are asserted, possibly complicating litigation or investigations involving ASEAN personnel or property.
U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic relations: Grants flexibility to the Executive Branch to strengthen formal legal protections for ASEAN cooperation, which may facilitate diplomatic engagement, meetings, and programs, but could raise concerns about accountability in particular legal disputes.
General public and private parties: Indirectly affected because plaintiffs or investigators may face limits when seeking redress or evidence related to acts by ASEAN or its immunized personnel.
Net effect: The change is primarily legal and diplomatic—enabling the Executive to treat ASEAN like other public international organizations for immunities purposes. It facilitates diplomatic operations and cooperation while potentially narrowing legal remedies in some cases. There are no direct budgetary effects or new federal program requirements specified.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Last progress June 10, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 10, 2025 by Joaquin Castro
PARTNER Act
Updated 1 week ago
Last progress September 3, 2025 (5 months ago)