The US House of Representatives has passed the Quad bill that directs the Biden administration to establish a Quad intra-parliamentary working group to facilitate closer cooperation between the US, Australia, India and Japan. The bill was passed by a roll call vote of 379 to 39, highlighting the strong bipartisan support for strengthening cooperation within the Quad framework. This overwhelming majority underlines the importance of close ties between the US, Australia, India and Japan.
Provisions of Quad Bill
Within 180 days of enactment of the bill, the State Department would be required to submit a strategy to Congress outlining plans to increase engagement and cooperation within the Quad. Additionally, within 60 days of its enactment, the Bill directs the State Department to negotiate with India, Japan, and Australia to establish a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group.
It would also establish a US Group, consisting of up to 24 members of Congress, to represent the US in the working group. It will also establish guidelines for annual meetings and group leadership. Under the bill, the group would be required to submit an annual report to congressional foreign affairs committees.
Anti voting
Two Democratic lawmakers voted against the bill. One of them is Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from Minneapolis. Ilhan Omar is a Congress woman MP who is known for her anti-India rhetoric.
The bill, introduced by Congressman Gregory Meeks, requires the State Department to report to Congress on a strategy to strengthen engagement and cooperation with the Quad.
The strategy will address cooperation on issues including (1) preparedness for the next pandemic, (2) co-development of new innovative technologies, and (3) deepening economic engagement and integration.
What is Quad Bill?
The Quad bill directs the Biden administration to establish a Quad intra-parliamentary working group to facilitate closer cooperation between the four countries. The group will serve as a platform for strategic discussion and coordination on various regional and global issues.
Quad is being seen as a retaliatory action against China in the Indian Ocean. The idea of the Quad first emerged after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami for maritime cooperation between the US, Australia, India and Japan. Subsequently, member countries called for increased cooperation and so a loose grouping called the Quad emerged in 2007. However, the Quad has grown and fallen over the years.