The extensive lobbying efforts of the Philippine delegation, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, paid off as the United States House of Representatives approved an $8.1 billion emergency aid package for key allies in the Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines.
Romualdez conveyed his appreciation to the U.S. House for the bipartisan support of the groundbreaking measure, saying this is crucially beneficial for Filipinos amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“This is a momentous occasion that underscores the enduring partnership between our nations and the unwavering commitment of the U.S. to fostering stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” the Speaker said in a press release April 23.
“We are deeply grateful for the bipartisan effort that has led to the approval of this crucial assistance, which will undoubtedly strengthen the security and resilience of our region,” he added.
Voting 385-34, the U.S. House passed the $8.1-billion bill, allocating nearly $4 billion in security assistance to Taiwan, the Philippines, and other Indo-Pacific allies, alongside $1.9 billion to replenish U.S. stocks that have been depleted to aid Asian allies, and $3.3 billion for submarine infrastructure and additional provisions.
During the debate, one amendment was adopted to express support for ensuring that security assistance in the bill reaches the Philippines.
Romualdez expressed his gratitude to Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), who introduced the amendment to the bill, encouraging the US State Department to allocate $500 million in foreign military financing (FMF) to the Philippines.
“The passage of this amendment underscores the deepening partnership between our nations and highlights the United States’ commitment to enhancing the defense capabilities of the Philippines,” said Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives, on Issa’s help whom he met during his visit.
The $8.1-billion assistance to the Indo-Pacific is integral to the $95.3-billion emergency aid package, which includes vital support for key U.S. allies, like Ukraine and Israel. This comprehensive measure will now proceed to the Senate for a final vote.
The approval of this bipartisan measure comes on the heels of extensive deliberations between the Philippine House delegation, led by Romualdez, and a number of American legislators at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., last week.
These deliberations coincided with the momentous trilateral summit among U.S. President Joe Biden, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“This aid package symbolizes our collective resolve to fortify the bonds of friendship and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” Romualdez said. “This multifaceted assistance package reaffirms America’s steadfast commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”
The US FMF program provides grants for acquiring US defense equipment, services, and training. It aims to promote US national security interests by contributing to regional and global stability, strengthening military support for democratically-elected governments, and containing transnational threats, including terrorism and trafficking in narcotics, weapons, and persons. ||
