WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 1263 · 119th Congress

Strengthening the Quad Act

Passed HouseInternational Affairs
IntroducedFeb 12, 2025
Passed HouseMay 19, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, May 20, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The House passed it 334–51. In the House, Iowa's representatives split: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks did not vote, Zachary Nunn did not vote. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 2 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 1263 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 2 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (May 20, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 3 Strategy
  • Sec. 4 Establishment of quad inter-parliamentary working group
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Strengthening the Quad Act

    This bill directs the Department of State to seek to establish a working group with Japan, Australia, and India to facilitate closer cooperation on shared interests and values. (The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, also known as the Quad, is a coalition comprised of the United States and these three countries.)

    The bill also requires the State Department to report to Congress a strategy for bolstering engagement and cooperation with the Quad. The strategy shall summarize current and past Quad initiatives, including those to promote broad-based and inclusive economic growth, technology cooperation, energy innovation, and resilient supply chains. The strategy shall also recommend (1) how Congress can help address certain barriers to implementing and expanding Quad cooperation, (2) new authorities needed to strengthen U.S. leadership in and contributions to Quad initiatives, and (3) additional resources needed to expand successful initiatives.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Feb 12, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. May 20, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.Senate
    2. May 19, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. May 19, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 334 - 51 (Roll no. 132). (text: CR H2119-2120) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. May 19, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 334 - 51 (Roll no. 132). (text: CR H2119-2120) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. May 19, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2135-2136)House floor actions
    6. May 19, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
    7. May 19, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1263.House floor actions
    8. May 19, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2119-2121)House floor actions
    9. May 19, 2025Mr. Huizenga moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    10. Feb 12, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.House floor actions
    11. Feb 12, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    12. Feb 12, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. May 19, 2025 · HousePassed 334–51
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks did not vote, Zachary Nunn did not vote
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
      R 143 yes, 50 noD 191 yes, 1 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Ami Bera D-CA-6
    • Ed Case D-HI-1
    • Bill Huizenga R-MI-4
    • Sydney Kamlager-Dove D-CA-37
    • Young Kim R-CA-40