[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 172 (Wednesday, November 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H6129-H6131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REAFFIRMING THE TIES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE PHILIPPINES
Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 837) reaffirming the ties between the United States
and the Philippines, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 837
Whereas the United States established diplomatic relations
with the Philippines on July 4, 1946, and the two countries
have since enjoyed expanded and positive relations;
Whereas there are over 4,000,000 United States citizens of
Philippine ancestry in the United States;
Whereas the United States and the Philippines have a strong
and mutually beneficial trade relationship, with more than
$18,900,000,000 in goods and services traded during 2020;
Whereas the People's Republic of China continues to use its
Coast Guard and its Merchant Marine to violate the
Philippines sovereignty, including in the Scarborough Shoal,
Whereas Chinese Communist Party propaganda now assert
claims based on a so-called ``ten-dash line'', after a United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea arbitral tribunal
ruled that China's nine-dashed line had ``no legal basis'';
Whereas in 1994, the People's Republic of China unlawfully
seized Mischief Reef and have since constructed 20 artificial
islands that extends the operational capabilities of the
People's Liberation Army with the aim of expanding its
presence and reinforcing their illegitimate claims to the
South China Sea;
Whereas the People's Republic of China is asserting its
sweeping claims over the South China Sea by disrupting the
regular resupply of the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy
transport ship, based in the Second Thomas Shoal, by shooting
water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard vessels and using
military-grade lasers to blind its crew;
Whereas, on April 3, 2023, the Biden administration
announced plans today to expand the Enhanced Defense
Cooperation Arrangement to include four new sites to
strengthen interoperability and allow the United States and
the Philippines to better address shared challenges in the
Indo-Pacific region;
Whereas, on August 5, 2023, the United States Department of
State reaffirmed that ``an armed attack on Philippine public
vessels, aircraft, and armed forces--including those of its
Coast Guard in the South China Sea--would invoke U.S. mutual
defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S.
Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty'';
Whereas, on October 22, 2023, the Chinese Coast Guard
rammed a Philippines Coast Guard cutter escorting supplies to
the Second Thomas Shoal within the Philippines exclusive
economic zone;
Whereas, on April 11, 2024, the leaders of Japan, the
Philippines, and the United States held a trilateral summit
in Washington, D.C., to expand trilateral cooperation and
bolster a free and open Indo-Pacific and an international
order based on international law; and
Whereas, on June 17, 2024, PRC vessels tried to deny the
Philippines from lawfully delivering humanitarian supplies to
service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre through the
dangerous use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers,
and towing which damaged Philippine vessels and injured
Philippine service members: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) reaffirms the United States unwavering commitment to
invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines if an
armed attack against the Philippines assets, including those
of the Philippine Coast Guard, is committed in the South
China Sea;
(2) calls on the United States and Philippines to conduct
more joint patrols in the South China Sea, including with
other like-minded partners, to underscore the importance of
freedom of navigation and overflight;
(3) firmly objects to the People's Republic of China's
false sovereignty claims to the South China Sea;
(4) strongly condemns and calls on the People's Republic of
China to cease its aggressive and dangerous actions against
Philippine vessels in the South China Sea;
(5) welcomes swift implementation of the Enhanced Defense
Cooperation Agreement to ensure we adhere to our commitments
to the Philippine people, and to foster a free and open Indo-
Pacific for all;
(6) emphasizes that respecting the shared values of
democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law,
especially with regard to the rights of trade unionists,
journalists, human rights defenders, critics of the
Government, faith and religious leaders, and civil society
activists, will strengthen the alliance between the United
States and the Philippines; and
(7) reaffirms the United States unwavering commitment to
invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, in
accordance with constitutional processes, if an armed attack
against the Philippines assets, including those of the
Philippine Coast Guard, is committed in the South China Sea.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Guam (Mr. Moylan) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Manning)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Guam.
General Leave
Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
to include extraneous material on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Guam?
There was no objection.
Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 837, a
resolution that reaffirms the enduring partnership between the United
States and the Philippines.
This resolution is a testament to the deep-rooted bonds of
friendship, shared values, and mutual interests that have defined our
relationship for over a century.
The Philippines is not only a close ally in the Asia-Pacific region,
but also a vital partner in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity.
Our two nations share a long history of cooperation from the fight
for freedom during World War II to our joint efforts in addressing
global challenges today.
Whether it is combating terrorism, the Chinese Communist Party's
aggression, or advancing trade, the U.S.-Philippines partnership is
instrumental in shaping a safer and more secure world.
In addition to our strategic alliance, the Filipino-American
community is an invaluable bridge between the two countries. More than
4 million Filipino Americans contribute to the fabric of America's
society, enriching our culture and economy.
Furthermore, this resolution strongly condemns the People's Republic
of China's aggressive action against the Philippine vessels in the
South China Sea. These provocative maneuvers threaten the peace and
stability of the region and violate international law.
We stand in full support of the Philippines' sovereignty over its
territorial waters and call on China to respect the rights of all
nations in the South China Sea.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res.
837, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. MANNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 837, which reaffirms
the vital partnership between the United States and the Philippines. I
thank Delegate Moylan and Representative Bobby Scott for bringing
forward this important and timely resolution.
The relationship between our two democracies is more than just a
longstanding alliance; it is a cornerstone for stability in the Indo-
Pacific region.
Over the past year, Beijing has persistently and illegally bullied
the Philippines in the South China Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard and
maritime militia have intensified their harassment of Philippine
fishing vessels in contested waters as well as within the Philippines'
own exclusive economic zone.
Chinese security forces have used water cannons, wielded axes and
machetes, engaged in ramming and blocking maneuvers, and interfered
with humanitarian supply missions of the Philippine Coast Guard.
These actions are dangerous and unacceptable. Beijing's military
coercion and provocation threaten the Philippines' sovereignty as well
as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Philippine President
Marcos has spoken passionately about the daily harassment faced by his
nation's fishermen and coast guard at the hands of China's maritime
militia, coast guard, and navy. His message has been clear:
[[Page H6130]]
The Philippines need international support to uphold international law
and safeguard its sovereignty.
By passing this resolution today, we are offering that support.
Amidst Beijing's flagrant and irresponsible actions, H. Res. 837 makes
clear that the United States stands with the Philippines and reaffirms
our commitment to defending the Philippines in the event of an armed
attack against it. The resolution also upholds the importance of
freedom of navigation and the rule of law on the seas, condemns the
PRC's dangerous tactics, and rejects its unlawful maritime claims.
Over the past 4 years, the Biden administration has strengthened our
alliance with the Philippines. We have bolstered our interoperability
with the Philippines Armed Forces through a vital expansion of the
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to four new sites.
The United States has also promoted partner collaboration with the
Philippines, principally by hosting President Marcos in D.C. for the
inaugural U.S.-Philippines-Japan Trilateral Summit and strengthening
security coordination with Australia, Japan, and the Philippines.
{time} 1315
Congress also did its part by passing the critical National Security
Supplemental earlier this year with funds for our partners and allies
in the Indo-Pacific.
Passing this resolution advances those efforts by reaffirming the
alliance, as well as our shared resolve to uphold peace, stability, and
the rule of law in the region.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this
important measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MOYLAN. I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. MANNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Scott), the ranking member of the House Committee on
Education and the Workforce and a strong supporter of the bilateral
relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.
Res. 837 which reaffirms the ties between the United States and the
Philippines.
This resolution highlights the important partnership between our two
nations and makes it clear that we will firmly stand by our allies in
the Indo-Pacific region.
I also thank the gentleman from Guam, Mr. Moylan, for both leading
this resolution and for co-chairing the U.S.-Philippines Friendship
Caucus with me.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with the President
of the Philippines, along with members of the Philippine House of
Representatives, to discuss the important bilateral relationship
between our two countries.
These conversations between Members of the United States Congress and
elected officials in the Philippines solidify the bonds between our two
nations and help identify areas of mutual interest and concern in the
Indo-Pacific region. In these discussions we emphasized our shared
vision of keeping peace and freedom, particularly in the South China
Sea.
We are putting these goals into action. Earlier this year, Congress
passed the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act,
recommending $500 million in foreign military financing go to the
Philippines.
Following the passage of the amendment, Secretaries Blinken and
Austin announced $500 million in military funding to help monetize the
Philippines military and Coast Guard and boost collaboration.
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 and welcomes a swift implementation of
the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
I was pleased to see the Biden administration expand the Enhanced
Defense Cooperation Agreement to include four new military training
sites. This will allow the United States and the Philippines to better
address shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the ties between
our countries. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Ms. MANNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Hawaii (Mr. Case), a very strong supporter of our partners in the
Pacific.
Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I join my friend from Guam (Mr. Moylan) and my
friend from North Carolina (Ms. Manning) and many colleagues in strong
support of H. Res. 837, reaffirming our country's enduring ties with
the great Republic of the Philippines.
The strength of the U.S.-Philippines relationship endures on a
foundation of shared heritage, history, and values, from Filipinos
being the first documented Asian ethnic group in North America to the
still-growing population of Filipino Americans today, numbering over
4.6 million, now the third largest group of Asian descent in our
country, to our mutual vibrant democracies, and so much more.
In my own Hawaii, I am the very proud Representative for the
congressional district with the highest number of Filipino Americans of
any district in our country, some 204,000 today. For over a century, we
in Hawaii have had experience in understanding how Hawaii and our
Nation have greatly benefited from the significant contributions and
accomplishments of our Filipino community.
The U.S.-Philippines relationship has perhaps never been as strong as
it is today, and it is these people-to-people ties that are the
foundation behind the security partnership outlined in the 1951 U.S.-
Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. It recognizes an attack in the
Pacific on either of us would endanger the peace of both of us and that
we must act in concert to meet common dangers.
This security relationship is critical today, given continued
aggression by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea and
elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific. This congressional reaffirmation comes
on the heels of Secretary of Defense Austin's recent visit to Palawan
where he reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the Philippines and
reiterated that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to
Armed Forces, public vessels, and aircraft of both countries, including
those of the Coast Guard anywhere in the South China Sea.
That is just one of many reasons why the reaffirmation of our
relationship with the Philippines by this United States Congress, as
well as this resolution, is more important now than ever.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting our critical U.S.-
Philippines relationship. ``Thank you very much and God bless,''
``Maraming salamat po and Dios ti agngina.''
Ms. MANNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the U.S.-Philippines alliance is imperative to both our
security and the security of the Indo-Pacific region. Today, the
Philippines is on the front lines in Beijing's attempts to flout
international law and upend the status quo in the South China Sea. As
Philippine vessels face threat and intimidation from Beijing, we must
work together to ensure that our friends are not alone and that they do
not waver.
By agreeing to H. Res. 837, we can send a clear message: The United
States stands with the Philippines against Beijing's coercion and
intimidation as we work to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting H. Res. 837.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I thank Representative Scott for leading this resolution with me and
my good friend, Mr. Case, for his testimony.
This resolution sends a clear message: The United States stands
firmly with the people of the Philippines and reaffirms our unwavering
commitment to invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines in
accordance with constitutional processes.
Again, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 837.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I wish to underscore my strong
support of H. Res. 837 introduced by Mr. Moylan, our colleague from
Guam, on Reaffirming Ties Between the United States and the
Philippines. It is both timely and critical, as we see the People's
Liberation Army Navy and the Chinese
[[Page H6131]]
Coast Guard intrude on Philippines territorial waters and engage in
increasingly belligerent and lawless behavior.
My one quibble with the Resolution is the continued use of the term
``South China Sea'' to refer to that term for the sea west of the
Philippines. Why not ``West Philippines Sea,'' an important semantic
change that rejects the PRC's claims on Philippines territory and
reinforces the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea arbitral
panel ruling that the PRC's maritime territorial claims have no basis?
Indeed, even the term in Chinese makes no explicit reference to
China. It is simply ``South Sea.''
We have seen repeated aggression by PLA naval and coast guard vessels
in the West Philippines Sea. We routinely see Filipino fishing boats
harassed and surrounded by a flotilla of navy and coast guard vessels.
There was also an incident this past summer where a Chinese coast
guard vessel engaged in a piratical ramming attack against Filipino
vessels. Eight Filipino sailors were injured, including one who lost
his thumb.
The PLA Navy is playing a dangerous escalation game. A war was once
fought over a sailor's severed ear--1739's War of Jenkins' Ear. Will a
war now be fought over a severed thumb?
Not if we are resolute. There is a quotation attributed to Lenin:
``You probe with bayonets: if you find mush, you push. If you find
steel, you withdraw.''
This describes the strategy of the PLA Navy. Probing with bayonets.
Unfortunately, up until now, they have only encountered mush. Steely
resolution is what is needed to deter war.
It is my hope that the incoming Trump Administration show resolve
which sadly has been lacking, including conducting naval exercises in
conjunction with our Philippines treaty ally in the West Philippines
Sea, and sending ships to escort the Filipino navy in resupplying
Filipino sailors and Marines who are staffing an outpost on the Second
Thomas Shoal--something that was bravely done just this past week by
our stalwart ally.
I thank Representative Moylan for his resolution, underscoring this
House's resolve to stand by an ally.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 837, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________