The sole Filipino-American lawmaker in the U.S. Congress has stressed the importance of the passage of America's foreign aid bill to global security, including the Philippines.

Democratic congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia said it shows that the U.S. is committed to democracy and freedom "throughout the world."

"This legislation will help the United States and the Philippines to better address our shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region," he told ABS-CBN News' North America Bureau.

The $95-billion dollar package, signed this week into law by U.S. President Joe Biden, includes $61 billion in aid to Ukraine, and $26 billion to Israel along with humanitarian aid for Gaza.

The legislation also provides $8.12 billion for the Indo-Pacific region.

Scott said a part of this would go towards submarine infrastructure and development, an amendment to the bill that he worked on with bipartisan support.

"We will have a large shipbuilding presence in that agreement, and a lot of those ships will be built in my district in Hampton Roads," he said. "This is an economic engine for our region. It means we will play a significant role in national security.”

The passage of the legislation took six months and went through various political drama. But Scott said his amendment was passed without opposition.

“We're very pleased to be able to focus the attention on the Philippines to make sure that the work of the President with Japan and the Philippines was not forgotten," he said.

Biden previously held a summit at the White House with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in April.

Scott added that he wants to make sure the Philippines is getting enough U.S. support in its maritime dispute with China in the South China Sea.

"We look forward to making sure that the Philippines is protected," he said. "We're always concerned. But I think the fact that the United States and Japan are actively working together will mean that we're in a good position.”