Recognizing the 60th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Singapore and supporting a strong United States-Singapore relationship.
H. Res. 696 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence (August 9, 1965) and the upcoming 60th anniversary of United States–Singapore diplomatic relations (in 2026). It reiterates a commitment to a strong bilateral relationship, with emphasis on expanding economic ties, security cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The resolution highlights Singapore’s economic transformation, its status as a major partner for American investors and companies, and its role in regional security and shared goals in the Indo-Pacific. While it outlines the benefits of this partnership and reaffirms congressional support, the measure does not create new policy mandates or allocate funding; its effect is to symbolize and steer future policy discussions in a direction favorable to closer bilateral engagement.
Key Points
- 1Commemorates historical milestones: recognizes Singapore’s independence anniversary and the forthcoming 2026 milestone of US–Singapore diplomatic relations.
- 2Affirms strong economic ties: notes the US–Singapore free trade agreement (since 2004), a growing US trade surplus (from $7B in 2004 to $27B in 2024), and Singapore’s status as a major investor and a home to thousands of American companies.
- 3Emphasizes the open, rule-of-law business environment: praises Singapore for intellectual property protection, transparent regulations, anti-corruption efforts, and its transition from aid recipient to donor.
- 4Highlights defense and security cooperation: underscores Singapore’s close military collaboration with the United States, interoperability through defense purchases, joint exercises, and training of personnel, and routine US military rotations through Singapore to monitor the region.
- 5Stresses regional security leadership and shared Indo-Pacific vision: notes Singapore’s role in coalitions against global threats and piracy, and its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific alongside the United States.
- 6Points to people-to-people and educational ties: references sizable American and Singaporean communities abroad and the value of study abroad opportunities and academic exchanges.