Amo, Mackenzie Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen American Diplomacy with Australia
For more than seven decades, the U.S.-Australia relationship has been essential to protecting U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific
Washington, D.C. – TODAY, House Foreign Affairs Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) introduced the Promoting Diplomacy with Australia Act to ensure American diplomats in Australia have the resources they need to promote American political, economic, and national security interests. The bipartisan bill asks for a review of current capacity at the U.S. Mission in Australia and recommendations about future resource needs as the U.S. government expands its presence in Australia.
“Our hardworking diplomats in Australia need ample resources to support their efforts working with our ally to bolster our interests in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “I am proud to partner with Congressman Mackenzie on our new bipartisan bill to help ensure the American mission to Australia has the staff and resources they need to support the growing U.S. presence in Australia and our national security, economic, and diplomatic work with our long-time ally.”
“Our foreign policy objectives benefit from having a robust team of support personnel,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Alongside the upcoming growth in USG staff at the US Mission in Australia, it’s important that we have the appropriate amount of support staff necessary to be as effective as possible. Conducting a report on staffing capacity at the Mission will ensure that proper resources are in place to get the job done."
WATCH HERE: Amo Discusses Need for Promoting Diplomacy with Australia Act in the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Background
Vice Ranking Member Amo is proud to serve as a member of the Congressional Friends of Australia Caucus to promote the close relationship between the United States and Australia.
On August 21, 2025, Vice Ranking Member Amo and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-TX) introduced H.R. 5013, the AUKUS Improvement Act, which would strengthen the defense partnership between the United States and Australia by exempting defense entities already vetted by the State Department as AUKUS Authorized Users from additional scrutiny. The AUKUS Improvement Act passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee on September 18, 2025, as an amendment to the State Department Reauthorization package.
On September 18, 2025, similar language to the bipartisan Promoting Diplomacy with Australia Act also passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee as an amendment to the State Department Reauthorization package.
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