S.Amdt. 3647

This amendment aims to add a section to bill S. 2296 focused on modernizing the defense capabilities of the Philippines. Its primary purpose is to strengthen the alliance between the United States and the Philippines by providing equipment, training, and financial support.

The amendment seeks to change the bill by adding the following:

• Defense Goals: It provides support to help the Philippines safeguard its territorial sovereignty, improve maritime domain awareness, counter coercive military activities, prepare for regional contingencies, and strengthen counterterrorism efforts.

• Financial Assistance:

  • Grants: Authorizes up to $500,000,000 per year from fiscal year 2026 through 2030 for Foreign Military Financing grant assistance.
  • Direct Loans: Allows the Secretary of State to make direct loans up to $1,000,000,000 between fiscal years 2026 and 2030.
  • Loan Guarantees: Authorizes loan guarantees for commercial loans, with a total loan principal not to exceed $1,000,000,000.

• Accountability and Planning:

  • Requires an Annual Spending Plan to be submitted to congressional committees starting March 1, 2026.
  • Requires an Annual Report describing steps taken to enhance the defense relationship, including the specific defense infrastructure improvements needed (such as coastal defense, cybersecurity, and maritime security) and an assessment of the Philippines' capacity to absorb this assistance.

• Training: Mandates that at least $500,000 per fiscal year be spent on training programs via blanket order agreements.

• Time Limit: Includes a sunset provision stating that assistance under this section cannot be provided after September 30, 2035.