Strengthening the Quad Act

This bill, known as the "Strengthening the Quad Act," aims to enhance cooperation between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, collectively known as the Quadrilateral Dialogue (Quad) . It mandates the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive strategy within 180 days to bolster engagement with the Quad. This strategy must detail how the U.S. intends to demonstrate democratic leadership in the Indo-Pacific, summarize current and past Quad initiatives across various sectors, and identify diplomatic and bureaucratic barriers to cooperation. The strategy will also include recommendations for Congress to address identified barriers, propose any necessary new authorities, and suggest additional resources to expand successful Quad initiatives. A key provision of the bill is the establishment of a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group . The Secretary of State is directed to seek negotiations with Quad governments within 60 days to form this group, which will facilitate closer legislative cooperation on shared interests and values. Upon agreement, a United States Group will be formed, comprising up to 24 Members of Congress, with equal representation from the House and Senate. These members will be appointed by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, respectively, with specific requirements for members from the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Relations Committees. This group is tasked with meeting annually with representatives from the legislatures of Australia, India, and Japan to discuss and advance Quad objectives, and will submit an annual report to Congress detailing its activities and recommendations for strengthening the Quad.