US Legislators Advocate Strengthening Quad Inter-Parliamentary Relations

The US House of Representatives recently approved a non-binding resolution advocating for the creation of an inter-parliamentary group comprising lawmakers from the Quad member nations: the US, India, Japan, and Australia. This move aims to fortify collaboration among these countries, elevating the dialogue to a higher level.

Termed the 'Strengthening the Quad Act', the resolution underscores the importance of establishing a framework akin to existing bilateral intra-parliamentary groups between the US and nations like Mexico, Canada, and the UK. It envisions sustained engagement among senior officials from Quad countries across a broad spectrum of issues.

The proposed inter-parliamentary group is slated to consist of 24 members, evenly divided between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Additionally, the resolution calls for a comprehensive strategy from the Secretary of State aimed at enhancing cooperation within the Quad framework.

This strategy is expected to outline the US's commitment to democratic leadership in the Indo-Pacific region through collaborative efforts with India, Japan, and Australia. Since its revitalization in 2017, the Quad has seen increased momentum, particularly following President Joe Biden's assumption of office in 2021.

While initially focused on security, the Quad's agenda has expanded to encompass a wide array of topics, ranging from healthcare to technology. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized the necessity of strengthening ties with democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific to address challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party.

Representative Gregory Meeks, who introduced the resolution in September 2023, highlighted its significance in advancing political and security relations with regional allies. The passage of the Strengthening the Quad Act underscores the commitment of US lawmakers to fostering stability and cooperation across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.