The project will attempt to understand the role played by a powerful and assertive US legislature in America's policy towards Asia, in areas of trade, security and human rights. The project will also study Asian reactions to Congressional debates and actions. Principal aims of the study are to explain to Asian readers how Congress thinks and works, often in an adversarial manner, and to inform the American readers what bothers -- and pleases -- Asians- about- the US institution. A further aim is to explore what Japan, as a key player in the Pacific region, might do to enable itself and Asia generally to respond constructively to US Congressional impulses.