Honoring the 80th anniversary of United States-Philippine relations.

Overview

• Type: House Resolution (H. Res. 1328)
• Session: 119th Congress, 2nd Session
• Purpose: Honor the 80th anniversary of United States–Philippines relations and reaffirm bilateral commitments
• Introduced: May 29, 2026
• Primary sponsors: Rep. Moylan (with co-sponsors Ed Case, Jim Moylan, Joe Wilson, Amata Radewagen)

Main purpose and intent

• Officially recognize and commemorate the 80-year milestone of the sovereign Philippines’ independence (July 4, 1946) and the enduring U.S.–Philippines relationship.
• Reaffirm longstanding security and economic ties between the two nations.
• Celebrate the contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States and acknowledge mutual defense and regional cooperation.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution expresses, in non-binding form, several statements and commitments:

• Acknowledgment of the historical significance of U.S.–Philippines relations since July 4, 1946.
• Reaffirmation of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and the Philippines and commitment to strengthen those ties.
• Recognition of the courage and bravery of Filipino and Filipino American servicemembers who served alongside the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Reaffirmation of the U.S. commitment to invoke the U.S.–Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty if an armed attack against Philippine assets occurs in the Pacific.
• Commendation of the Philippines for increasing regional security cooperation and interoperability.
• Recognition and honoring of Filipino Americans’ vital contributions to U.S. cultural and civic life.
• Encouragement for the American people to celebrate the 80th anniversary through appropriate programs and activities.

Affected parties

• United States and Philippine governments (bilateral relationship emphasized)
• Filipino Americans and their communities (explicit recognition and celebration)
• U.S. armed forces and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific (references to mutual defense treaty and regional security cooperation)

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and, in addition, the Committee on Armed Services for consideration of provisions within their jurisdiction.
• No fiscal implications or new authorities; the bill serves as a formal, commemorative resolution.
• The timeline centers on the 80th anniversary date (July 4, 2026) and ongoing bilateral cooperation, with an exhortation to celebrate through programs and activities.

Note on context

• The text includes historical references to significant milestones (e.g., Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951) and recent developments (Enhanced Defense Cooperation, regional summits) to frame the enduring alliance.
• The resolution is primarily ceremonial and symbolic, aimed at recognizing history, honoring service members, and encouraging continued collaboration.