A bill to require the advice and consent of the Senate for any modification to the 1966 agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom concerning the British Indian Ocean Territory, and for other purposes.

# Summary of S. 4019 **What the Bill Does:** This bill would require the U.S. Senate to approve any changes made to a 1966 agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory. Currently, the executive branch can modify such agreements without Senate approval. The bill aims to give Congress a formal role in decisions about altering this long-standing treaty arrangement. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters:** The bill affects U.S. foreign policy and the Senate's power over international agreements.

The British Indian Ocean Territory includes the strategically important Diego Garcia, which hosts a U.S. military base. Any future negotiations about the territory—including potential disputes over sovereignty claims by Mauritius or changes to U.S. military access—would require Senate approval rather than being decided by the President alone. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 4019) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The specific committee assignment and likelihood of passage are not indicated in the available information.