US House Overwhelmingly Approves Quad Bill, Fostering Closer Cooperation with Australia, India, and Japan
The US House of Representatives has passed the Quad bill with an overwhelming vote of 379 to 39, directing the Biden administration to establish a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group. This move aims to facilitate enhanced collaboration between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan within the framework of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).
The Quad bill, officially titled ‘Strengthen US-Australia-India-Japan Cooperation,’ underscores the shared commitment of these nations to uphold a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to China’s assertive actions in the strategically vital South China Sea.
Introduced by Congressman Gregory Meeks, the bill mandates the State Department to present to Congress, within 180 days of enactment, a strategy for amplifying engagement and cooperation with the Quad. Additionally, negotiations are to be initiated, within 60 days of enactment, with Japan, Australia, and India to establish a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group aimed at fostering closer cooperation.
The bill outlines the formation of a US group, comprising a maximum of 24 members of Congress, to represent the United States in the working group. Annual meetings and leadership guidelines would be established, with the group required to submit an annual report to the congressional foreign affairs committees.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from Minneapolis was one of the two Democratic lawmakers who voted against the bill. Congressman Meeks emphasized that the Quad has been crucial in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, safeguarding US interests, and strengthening national security. The bill addresses cooperation on various fronts, including pandemic preparedness, technology development, and economic integration.
Meeks asserted that, given the global rise of authoritarianism, it is essential for democracies to collaborate in showcasing the success of open societies, promoting democratic governance, adhering to international rules, and delivering tangible results.
