S.Amdt. 3713

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 United States-Philippines alliance and provide the necessary resources and planning to upgrade the Philippines' military capabilities.

The amendment proposes the following changes and additions:

• Support and Assistance: It authorizes the Secretary of State to provide equipment, training, and other 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 Authority:

  • It authorizes up to $500,000,000 in grant assistance for Foreign Military Financing for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030.
  • It allows for direct loans up to $1,000,000,000 and loan guarantees up to $1,000,000,000 for the Philippines between fiscal years 2026 and 2030.

• Accountability and Planning:

  • The Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense must submit an annual spending plan for four years starting March 1, 2026.
  • The Secretary of State must provide an annual report for four years detailing steps taken to enhance the defense relationship, including the specific defense infrastructure needed (such as coastal defense and cybersecurity) and an assessment of the Philippines' capacity to absorb this assistance.

• Timeline: The assistance provided under this section must end after September 30, 2035.