Scott, Moylan Celebrate House Passage of Resolution Affirming Ties Between the U.S. and the Philippines

WASHINGTON - Congressmen Bobby Scott (VA-03) and James Moylan (GU-AL), the co-chairs of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives passage of H. Res. 837. This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to invoke the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty if Philippine assets are attacked in the South China Sea. The resolution also calls on the United States and the Philippines to begin joint patrols in the South China Sea, objects to Chinese sovereignty claims to the South China Sea, and continues the Biden Administration's efforts to implement the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

This resolution was sponsored by Representative Scott and Delegate Moylan and was co-sponsored by 42 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"As the only currently serving Member of Congress with Filipino ancestry, and as co-chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I am proud to see our bipartisan resolution passed by the House," said Congressman Scott. "This resolution reaffirms the important partnership between the United States and the Philippines and makes it clear that we will stand firmly with our allies in the Indo-Pacific region. I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen ties between our countries."

"Through the passage of my resolution, the House of Representatives has sent a clear message to our friends in the Philippines: we will protect you. Through our Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States will remain committed to the Philippines." said Delegate Moylan. "The People's Republic of China has continued to harass citizens of the Philippines through various means, including pressurized water cannons, ship ramming, and maritime militias. My resolution ensures that the U.S. commitment to the Philippines is a strong and lasting one, and I'm looking forward to the United States' continued relationship with the Indo-Pacific nations."

Full text of the resolution can be found by CLICKING HERE.

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