Bill · S.Res. 409· Senate(119-SRES-409)
A resolution recognizing the 74th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines and the strong bilateral security alliance between our two nations in the wake of escalating aggression and political lawfare by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea.
- Introduced
- 9/18/2025
- Last activity
- 10/30/2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 248.
- Sponsored by
- Pete Ricketts
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 7
- Introduced
- On Calendar
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
S. Res. 409 recognizes the 74th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines. It celebrates the security alliance between the two nations and condemns aggression by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea. The resolution reaffirms that the Mutual Defense Treaty covers armed attacks on Philippine forces and public vessels in the South China Sea. It urges the President to take action against China's behavior to restore deterrence. Finally, it supports deepening security cooperation and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+10
The bill explicitly celebrates and reaffirms the Mutual Defense Treaty and security alliances.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+8
It emphasizes bilateral relations and cooperation with Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+5
The resolution mentions the launch of a bilateral cyber campaign between the US and Philippines.
The opposite
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?-2
The resolution supports increasing military presence, rotations, and advanced capabilities deployment.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Security and Deterrence: The resolution reaffirms that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea, which serves as a deterrent against territorial aggression (Resolution sections 6 and 11).
-
Humanitarian and Maritime Support: The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement mentioned in the text provides assistance for humanitarian and maritime operations in the Philippines (Whereas clause 8).
-
Defense Modernization: The resolution supports advancing Philippine defense modernization and enhancing interoperability through joint patrols, training, and information sharing (Resolution section 9).
-
Protection of International Rights: The resolution reaffirms the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific based on international law (Resolution section 12).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Military Presence: The text mentions the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allows for a strengthened United States military presence and an increased rotation of military personnel in the Philippines (Whereas clause 8).
-
Risk of Escalation: The resolution urges the President to take "appropriate and necessary actions" in response to the behavior of the People's Republic of China (Resolution section 8).
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+10Improves Diplomatic Engagement+8Improves Cybersecurity Defense+5Improves International Trade+5Increases Foreign Aid+3Reduces Military Spending-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Asian Americans+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+5
- 10/30/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment and with a preamble. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 248.
- 10/22/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 10/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/30/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/29/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/18/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S6739)
- 11 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Michael BennetDemocrat · Colorado
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
John CornynRepublican · Texas
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Deb FischerRepublican · Nebraska
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
David McCormickRepublican · Pennsylvania
James RischRepublican · Idaho
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont