U.S. Lawmakers from Both Parties Jointly Introduce “Indo-Pacific Engagement Act” and “Taiwan Policy Act”

According to a Nikkei Asia report on June 23rd, U.S. lawmakers from both parties have proposed a series of bills and resolutions aimed at expanding Biden administration’s engagement in Asia, including strengthening ties with Pacific countries and expanding support for Taiwan.

This week, Democratic Rep. Ami Bera, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation, and Steve Chabot, the group’s top Republican, Steve Chabot, co-sponsored and introduced the Indo-Pacific Engagement Act.

In a press release on Tuesday, Bera said: “When it comes to advancing U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific, it’s time that we match resources with rhetoric.” He also said: “For decades we have routinely underinvested in both diplomatic and aid assistance, setting the stage for China to expand its influence and attempt to define the rules in the region,”

Chabot added: “It is deeply frustrating that year after year administrations of both parties produce a budget that places the Indo-Pacific near the bottom of our national priorities”.

The bill urged the government to develop a five-year plan to increase engagement with and aid to Pacific Island nations, deploy additional diplomatic personnel in the Indo-Pacific, and compile a list of locations with a need for new embassies and consulates.