A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House 334–51
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
The Strengthening the Quad Act aims to increase cooperation between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to boost engagement and bolster democratic leadership in the Indo-Pacific. The bill also directs the creation of a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate closer cooperation on shared interests. This group would consist of a United States Group made up of up to 24 Members of Congress. The legislation seeks to address various regional challenges through strengthened diplomatic and economic ties.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +7
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill focuses on strengthening cooperation and engagement within the Quad partnership.
- Scored +6
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The act establishes a new inter-parliamentary group to deepen diplomatic ties.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill identifies cyberspace as a key area for Quad cooperation and security.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill suggests potential increases in resources and authorities which may increase government spending.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to pass The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not. Passed 334 yes · 51 no
05/19/2025 · Roll call 132 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Economic and Infrastructure Development: The bill promotes inclusive economic growth and the financing of development and infrastructure projects through institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (Section 2).
-
Increased Security and Resilience: The strategy aims to address shared challenges such as global health security, disaster management, and resilient supply chains, including critical minerals (Section 2 and Section 3).
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Enhanced International Cooperation: By establishing a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group, the act seeks to deepen engagement between senior officials and legislatures to support peace, prosperity, and the rule of law (Section 2 and Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Resource and Authority Increases: The bill requires the strategy to include recommendations for any new authorities or additional resources needed to expand Quad initiatives, which could result in increased government spending (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill focuses on strengthening cooperation and engagement within the Quad partnership. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The act establishes a new inter-parliamentary group to deepen diplomatic ties. Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill identifies cyberspace as a key area for Quad cooperation and security. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The bill emphasizes market-driven economic growth and resilient supply chains. Does this put more money into stopping terrorism? — The bill notes counterterrorism as a shared challenge among Quad nations. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill promotes financing for development and infrastructure through various international institutions.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill highlights disaster management as a core area for Quad cooperation. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill includes energy innovation as part of the Quad's cooperative framework.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual reports and expenditure certification for the new working group. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill seeks new authorities for the Secretary of State to expand Quad initiatives.
- Healthcare
- Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — The bill highlights global health security as a shared challenge for the Quad countries.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill promotes inclusive economic growth and investment through international partnerships. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill suggests potential increases in resources and authorities which may increase government spending.
- 5/20/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 5/19/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 334 - 51 (Roll no. 132). (text: CR H2119-2120)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 334 - 51 (Roll no. 132). (text: CR H2119-2120)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2135-2136)
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1263.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2119-2121)
- Mr. Huizenga moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 4/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ami BeraDemocrat · California
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
Bill HuizengaRepublican · Michigan
Young KimRepublican · California
Sydney Kamlager-DoveDemocrat · California