South OC Times

East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks have introduced the Strengthening the Quad Act (H.R.1263). This bill aims to reaffirm the United States' commitment to the Quadrilateral Dialogue, known as the Quad, with Japan, Australia, and India.

The proposed legislation urges the State Department to develop a long-term strategy for the Quad and seeks to establish a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group. This group is intended to deepen legislative engagement between these four democracies.

Kim and Meeks stated, “The Quad has proven essential to advancing U.S. interests and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our four critical democracies must demonstrate that we can tackle shared challenges together and deliver tangible benefits for the region. This bill ensures the Quad remains a lasting pillar of U.S. foreign policy and demonstrates strong bipartisan commitment to our allies and partners in the region.”

The bill also includes additional original cosponsors: Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Bill Huizenga, and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove.

Key provisions of the Strengthening the Quad Act include directing the State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy focused on regional security, economic growth, and democratic resilience. It also calls for creating a working group to enhance legislative collaboration among member countries.

The bill will be forwarded to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for further consideration.