U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) on Feb. 12 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation to require a strategy for bolstering engagement and cooperation between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan.
The Strengthening the Quad Act, H.R.1263, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and three other original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), also would seek to establish a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate closer cooperation on shared interests and values between the four countries, according to the text of the bill.
“The Quad [Quadrilateral Dialogue] has proven essential to advancing U.S. interests and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Reps. Kim and Meeks in a joint statement. “Our four critical democracies must demonstrate that we can tackle shared challenges together and deliver tangible benefits for the region.”
If enacted, H.R. 1263 also would direct the U.S. State Department to develop a comprehensive Quad strategy focused on regional security, economic growth, and democratic resilience, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“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,” said Reps. Kim and Meeks.
The bill has been referred to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee for further consideration.