Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. MOYLAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the importance of supporting our ally, the Philippines, as they stand on the front lines of China's gray zone warfare in the Philippine Sea. The U.S. needs to further commit to its security cooperation efforts with our friends in the Philippines. Since increasing Philippine foreign military financing in 2022, we have drastically improved their ability to counter regional threats.

Madam Speaker, we can do more. Our Philippine allies are harassed and intimidated daily. This includes the use of high-pressure water cannons against civilian Philippine fishing vessels in their own waters.

To show our support, I introduced, with Bobby Scott, H. Res. 837, Reaffirming the Ties Between the United States and the Philippines.

Funding our allies is simple math, dedicating $500 million in 1 year ensures the protection of nine critical military bases and ports protecting 11 million Filipino citizens across 300,000 square kilometers.

The Philippine Department of National Defense has a storied record of military operations planning with our USINDOPACOM leaders and to meet our future fight with force.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Issa, for submitting this amendment.

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