Honoring the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Guam and the Republic of the Philippines under the State Partnership Program.

Bill Number: H.Res. 156
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2025-06-06T14:17:56Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

H. Res. 156 is a non-binding House resolution that honors the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Guam and the Republic of the Philippines under the State Partnership Program (SPP). The SPP is a U.S. Department of Defense initiative that builds military relationships between U.S. states or territories and partner countries to enhance security cooperation, training, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Provisions Outlined

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing background and rationale, followed by six specific actions for the House of Representatives:

Recognizes the 25-year cooperation between the Philippines, Guam, and the United States through the SPP, highlighting enduring diplomatic ties since 1946.
Notes the SPP's role in joint training (e.g., disaster response, mass-casualty exercises), infrastructure rebuilding after natural disasters, and sharing programs like Guam's Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
Emphasizes benefits such as strengthened U.S. military presence, regional security, deterrence against aggression in the South China Sea (particularly from China), and support for a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
Resolved clauses:
(1) Acknowledges the beneficial relationship and partnership over 25 years.
(2) Expresses appreciation for the Philippine Armed Forces' commitment to the Guam National Guard in promoting peace and understanding.
(3) Voices continued support for the Guam-Philippines SPP.
(4) Commends the Philippines for increasing regional security cooperation.
(5) Highlights strengths in defense cooperation, capability building, and the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (an agreement committing mutual aid in case of armed attack).
(6) Supports potential expansion of SPP partnerships between the Philippines and other U.S. states or territories to strengthen overall efforts.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a simple House resolution, it is symbolic and does not amend statutes, create new programs, or have legal force. It was introduced on February 24, 2025, and referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services for review.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Reinforces support for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (the military command overseeing the region) and the Guam National Guard, potentially encouraging continued funding and resources for joint exercises without mandating new actions.
On Citizens: Limited direct impact on U.S. or Philippine citizens, but it promotes goodwill and could indirectly enhance disaster response capabilities in the region, benefiting communities vulnerable to natural disasters or security threats.
On International Relations: Strengthens the U.S.-Philippines alliance by publicly affirming shared security goals, which may deter regional aggression (e.g., in the South China Sea) and foster broader Indo-Pacific stability. It highlights the Philippines' role as the first partner under U.S. Pacific Command, potentially encouraging similar partnerships.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Guam National Guard: Directly involved as the U.S. partner; benefits from recognition of its collaborative role in training and infrastructure projects.
Armed Forces of the Philippines: Honored for contributions to joint operations, heroism, and regional security; gains affirmation of its alliance with the U.S.
U.S. House of Representatives: Adopts the resolution to express official support.
U.S. Department of Defense and Indo-Pacific Command: Oversees the SPP; the resolution bolsters their strategic objectives without imposing new requirements.
Broader U.S.-Philippines Governments: Including territorial (Guam) and national leaders, who see reinforced diplomatic and military ties.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a ceremonial resolution without binding effect or constitutional implications. It references existing frameworks like the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty but does not alter them.
Political: Symbolically advances U.S. foreign policy priorities in the Indo-Pacific, such as countering Chinese influence, by celebrating bilateral cooperation. It may influence future congressional support for defense budgets or alliances but carries no enforceable obligations. The resolution's focus on deterrence and expansion of partnerships underscores bipartisan interest in regional security amid geopolitical tensions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

Recent Actions

2025-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-02-24: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Honoring the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Guam and the Republic of the Philippines under the State Partnership Program. — issued 2025-02-24 — PDF (5 pages)