May 29, 2026
Mr. Moylan (for himself, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mrs. Radewagen, Ms. King-Hinds, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, and Mr. Case) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
Honoring the 80th anniversary of United States-Philippine relations.
Whereas, since July 4, 1946, the United States and the Philippines have maintained enduring diplomatic relations, founded on the basis of mutual security and economic interests, alongside close bonds between the nations;
Whereas there are over 4,600,000 United States citizens of Philippine ancestry in the United States, and almost 700,000 United States citizens reside in the Philippines;
Whereas, in 2009, Congress first recognized October as Filipino American History Month (S. Res. 298; H. Res. 780);
Whereas, during World War II, over 250,000 Filipinos fought alongside the United States Armed Forces to protect and defend the United States in the Pacific theater;
Whereas the Republic of the Philippines has been recognized with awards for joint military operations carried out in cooperation with the United States, and acts of heroism and service since World War II;
Whereas, on August 30, 1951, the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty was signed in Washington, DC, ensuring the United States unwavering commitment to invoke mutual defense obligations if an armed attack against the Philippines is committed in the Pacific;
Whereas, on December 14, 2016, the Obama administration signed the Filipino Veteran of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, into law (Public Law 114–265; 130 Stat. 1376);
Whereas, on April 3, 2023, the Biden administration announced plans to expand the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Arrangement to include 4 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 April 11, 2024, the leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States held a trilateral summit in Washington, DC, reaffirming their shared commitment in ensuring regional cooperation to bolster a free and open Indo-Pacific for all;
Whereas the United States and the Philippines have a strong and mutually beneficial trade relationship, with more than $36,900,000,000 in goods and services traded during 2024;
Whereas, on July 22, 2025, President Trump met with President Marcos of the Philippines and announced a mutually beneficial trade agreement ensuring increased economic ties between the nations;
Whereas, on December 18, 2025, President Trump signed the Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, into law;
Whereas, since World War II, Filipinos and Filipino Americans have a longstanding history of serving in the Armed Forces of the United States;
Whereas approximately 1 in 4 working Filipino adults are frontline healthcare workers in the United States, serving vital roles as nurses, doctors, first responders, and other medical professionals; and
Whereas Congress supports the continuing development of the Filipino American community as an integral part of America’s cultural fabric, through their contributions in hospitality, business, education, politics, government, sports, journalism, literature, fashion, fine arts, science, technology, and other fields that enrich the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
recognizes the historic significance of the 80th anniversary of the sovereign and independent country of the Philippines on July 4, 1946;
(2)
reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the United States and the Philippines and commits to strengthening those bonds;
(3)
recognizes the courage and bravery of the Filipino and Filipino-American servicemen and servicewomen who have fought alongside and in the United States Armed Forces;
(4)
reaffirms the United States commitment to invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines if an armed attack against the Philippines assets is committed in the Pacific;
(5)
commends the Republic of the Philippines for increasing its cooperation in regional security, including collaboration that may enhance regional defense posture;
(6)
recognizes and honors the vital contributions of Filipino Americans to the cultural fabric of the United States; and
(7)
urges the people of the United States to celebrate the 80th anniversary of United States-Philippine relations with appropriate programs and activities.