Bill · S. 4600· Senate(119-S-4600)
South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/20/2026
- Last activity
- 7/27/2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 512.
- Sponsored by
- Tammy Duckworth
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill is called the South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026. It requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to create and submit a diplomatic engagement strategy for the South China Sea. The strategy aims to support freedom of navigation, counter actions by the People's Republic of China, and work with allies and partners in the region. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to identify necessary resources for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029 to implement the strategy. Finally, it mandates briefings for specific congressional committees and clarifies that the bill does not change the existing One China Policy.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+6
The bill mandates a strategy to deepen bilateral and collective engagements with allies and littoral states.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
The bill supports unfettered commerce and protects economic interests in the South China Sea.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3
The bill includes plans to respond to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(4): This provision explicitly commits the United States to ensuring the safety of United States citizens in the region through coordinated diplomatic engagement with allies and partners. This is positive because it directly prioritizes the personal safety of Americans traveling, living, or working abroad.
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Section 3(b)(5)(C): This provision directs the strategy to include plans for responding to grey-zone tactics, including coordinated illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This can be considered positive for individuals and groups because it aims to protect regional resources and support lawful commerce and livelihoods.
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Section 3(b)(5)(G): This provision focuses on supporting economic development and resilience to economic coercion from foreign adversaries. This is a positive outcome for people and businesses because it helps protect economic stability against unfair pressure.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific provisions that explicitly outline negative consequences, burdens, or direct harms for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+6Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Urban Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2
- 7/27/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 512.
- 6/17/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 5/20/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John CurtisRepublican · Utah