CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Pete Ricketts (R-NE)

A resolution recognizing the 74th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines and the strong bilateral security alliance between our two nations in the wake of escalating aggression and political lawfare by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea.

S.Res. 409 · Senate resolution International Affairs

A Republican resolution with 7 Democratic cosponsors · See all 15 cosponsors

Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 248.

Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote

A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.

This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. On Calendar

A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.

What this bill would do

S. Res. 409 recognizes the 74th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines. It celebrates the security alliance between the two nations and condemns aggression by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea. The resolution reaffirms that the Mutual Defense Treaty covers armed attacks on Philippine forces and public vessels in the South China Sea. It urges the President to take action against China's behavior to restore deterrence. Finally, it supports deepening security cooperation and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Yes· 3 of 7

  • Scored +10

    Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?

    The bill explicitly celebrates and reaffirms the Mutual Defense Treaty and security alliances.

  • Scored +8

    Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?

    It emphasizes bilateral relations and cooperation with Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

  • Scored +5

    Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?

    The resolution mentions the launch of a bilateral cyber campaign between the US and Philippines.

The opposite

  • Scored -2

    Does this reduce what is spent on the military?

    The resolution supports increasing military presence, rotations, and advanced capabilities deployment.