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Sen. Richard Lugar is introducing a bill to encourage the US to negotiate a free trade agreement with the ASEAN trading block. Read the complete AP article below or at “US lawmaker to introduce bill urging US-ASEAN free trade deal”

WASHINGTON — A senior U.S. lawmaker says he plans to introduce legislation next week that would urge U.S. trade officials to pursue a free trade deal with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Republican Sen. Richard Lugar said Friday that China, India, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea have free trade agreements already with the 10-nation ASEAN and “are sharpening a competitive edge over the U.S. in Southeast Asia.”

Lugar says the United States should “develop a comprehensive strategy toward” U.S.-ASEAN trade talks.

Lugar says U.S. trade restrictions with military-run Myanmar should not prevent a deal with the rest of ASEAN.

President Barack Obama will be in Singapore next month to attend an Asian economic meeting. Lugar’s bill faces uncertain prospects.