South OC Times

The House of Representatives has passed the Strengthening the Quad Act (H.R. 1263), a bipartisan initiative led by Representative Young Kim from California's 40th district and Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from New York's 5th district. The bill aims to reinforce the United States' commitment to the Quadrilateral Dialogue (Quad) with Japan, Australia, and India.

The legislation directs the State Department to formulate a long-term strategy for the Quad focusing on regional security, economic growth, and democratic resilience. It also proposes establishing a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group to enhance legislative collaboration among the member countries.

"The Quad is vital to advancing America’s interests and countering shared threats in the Indo-Pacific region," stated Rep. Young Kim. "I am glad the House can come together to show our support for our Indo-Pacific partners by passing the Strengthening the Quad Act, and I’ll keep fighting to get this across the finish line."

Additional original cosponsors of this bill include Representative Ami Bera from California's 6th district, who is also Ranking Member of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee; Representative Bill Huizenga from Michigan's 4th district, Chairman of the South and Central Asia Subcommittee; and Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove from California's 37th district, Ranking Member of the South and Central Asia Subcommittee.