Rep. Bera Secures 11 Amendments in State Department Reauthorization Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, secured the inclusion of eleven amendments during the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s markup of State Department Reauthorization bills for Fiscal Year 2026. Representative Bera’s amendments advance U.S. strategic interests, strengthen key alliances, promote democratic values, and enhance congressional oversight across a range of global priorities.

“While I’m proud that eleven of my amendments passed on a bipartisan basis to take meaningful steps toward maintaining and rebuilding U.S. leadership on the world stage, the underlying bills fail to adequately address the damage this Administration has done to America’s diplomatic and development institutions,” said Representative Bera. “From standing with our partners in Korea, Taiwan, and India, to honoring our commitments to Afghan allies, these provisions strengthen our alliances and represent important progress in restoring American credibility abroad.”

The following Bera-led amendments were adopted:

Authorization of the Director of the Office of Multilateral Affairs for the East Asia and Pacific Region

Establishes a dedicated Director for Multilateral Affairs within the State Department’s East Asia and Pacific Bureau to strengthen U.S. engagement in key regional forums like ASEAN and APEC. The measure affirms long-term U.S. diplomatic leadership in a region where China is actively seeking to reshape the rules.

Taiwan Allies Fund Act

Authorizes $120 million over three years to support countries facing PRC economic coercion for maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The bill offers strategic alternatives to China's Belt and Road Initiative and reinforces democratic partnerships worldwide.

Reaffirmation of Routine Taiwan Transit 

Reaffirms longstanding bipartisan policy allowing Taiwan’s presidents to conduct routine transits through the U.S. The amendment protects against unilateral executive actions that could erode U.S.-Taiwan relations and signals continued congressional support for Taiwan’s democracy.

Safeguarding South Korean Foreign Direct Investment in the United States 

Protects foreign direct investment from the Republic of Korea by requiring a national security justification before any disruptive federal action. It responds to recent enforcement incidents by the Trump administration that undermined trust and supports American jobs, supply chains, and strategic industry partnerships.

Limitations on Changes to the Mutual Defense Treaty with Korea 

Ensures Congress can exercise oversight over changes to the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty. Requires certification that any policy shift serves U.S. national interests and is offset by equivalent security or diplomatic measures to preserve this essential Indo-Pacific alliance.

United States – India Strategic Partnership 

Mandates biannual State Department reports for five years on U.S.-India cooperation across defense, technology, diplomacy, and economic resilience. The measure supports transparency and continued congressional engagement in one of America’s most critical bilateral relationships.

Demining and Survivor Assistance in Southeast Asia 

Further strengthens my bipartisan provision on authorizing demining and related programs in Southeast Asia by including support for survivors of landmines and unexploded ordnance, advancing post-conflict recovery and resilience.

Strategic Assessment of AI Chip Exports to China

Directs a comprehensive study on the impact of exporting advanced AI chips to China, including risks to U.S. military and technological advantage. The measure would ensure transparency on the Trump Administration’s recent deal to take 15% NVIDIA and AMD’s profits on chip sales to China to ensure that profits are not prioritized over national security..

Safeguarding United States Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs 

Directs the State Department to prioritize  U.S. educational and cultural exchange programs. These programs are vital to American soft power, especially as the PRC continues to expand global presence. It also requires a comparative report on U.S. and PRC-sponsored programs to assess global influence and inform U.S. diplomatic strategy.

Support for Afghan Allies 

Reaffirms America’s commitment to our Afghan allies who continue to face threats for supporting U.S. missions in Afghanistan. It urges the continued use of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and Priority-2 refugee programs and directs the State Department to avoid processing delays and maintain adequate staffing. This amendment also mandates a comprehensive report to Congress on visa backlogs, relocation efforts from third-country transit hubs, and the implementation of waiver authorities under the Trump Administration’s Executive Order titled "Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program” 

Strategic Importance and Engagement in the Arctic Council

Emphasizes the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region amid rising geopolitical competition, including the increase of PRC activity. It calls for sustained U.S. leadership in the Arctic Council and stronger coordination of diplomatic, defense, and scientific initiatives.