In committee
Strengthening the Quad Act
This bill strengthens ties between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan by creating an official forum for their lawmakers to coordinate on regional issues. A delegation of up to 24 members of Congress would hold annual meetings with foreign legislators to align policies on maritime defense, technology, and critical supply chains. In addition, the State Department must deliver a plan to Congress detailing the funding, resources, and legal authorities needed to expand joint infrastructure and security projects across the Indo-Pacific.
People affected—The text establishes a delegation of up to 24 Members of Congress, but does not provide a determinable figure for broader public reach.
Fiscal magnitude—The text contains no specific appropriations, authorizations of funding, or fee amounts.
Reach14provisional · pending reviewrigor: heuristic llm
What this bill touches.
Aid & alliances+26
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Members of Congress appointed to the United States GroupGain seats on a new official bilateral body to meet at least annually with counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan, receive mandatory executive branch briefings, and can accept approved gifts or donations of property or services (Sec. 4(b)(1)–(5), Sec. 4(b)(8)).
- legislators from Australia, India, and JapanGain a formal framework to engage in at least annual legislative meetings and cooperation with up to 24 U.S. lawmakers if negotiations succeed (Sec. 4(a), Sec. 4(b)(3)).
Who it burdens
- Department of StateMust develop and submit a comprehensive strategy to Congress within 180 days on expanding Quad cooperation, and initiate negotiations within 60 days with Australia, India, and Japan to establish an inter-parliamentary working group (Sec. 3, Sec. 4(a)).
- senior executive branch officialsRequired to provide regular briefings and updates to the congressional United States Group, including before and after major Quad meetings (Sec. 4(b)(8)).
- Members of Congress appointed to the United States GroupMust compile and submit an annual report to congressional foreign affairs committees detailing annual activities, spending, and recommendations regarding the Quad (Sec. 4(b)(7)).