115 HJ 96 IH: Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023 U.S. House of Representatives 2023-11-02 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
IA118th CONGRESS1st SessionH. J. RES. 96IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 2, 2023Mr. Westerman (for himself, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Meeks, and Mr. McCaul) submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Education and the Workforce, Veterans' Affairs, Oversight and Accountability, Agriculture, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedJOINT RESOLUTIONTo approve the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact, and related agreements, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact, and certain related agreements between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau, to appropriate funds to carry out the agreements, and for other purposes.
Whereas the United States (in accordance with the Trusteeship Agreement for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the United Nations Charter, and the objectives of the international trusteeship system of the United Nations) fulfilled its obligations to promote the development of the people of the Trust Territory toward self-government or independence, as appropriate, to the particular circumstances of the Trust Territory and the people of the Trust Territory and the freely expressed wishes of the people concerned;Whereas the United States, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands entered into the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1901 note; Public Law 99–239) and the United States and the Republic of Palau entered into the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of Public Law 99–658 (48 U.S.C. 1931 note) to create and maintain a close and mutually beneficial relationship;Whereas the Compact of Free Association, as amended, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Compact of Free Association, as amended, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and related agreements were signed by the Government of the United States and the Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands and approved, as applicable, by section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921 note; Public Law 108–188);Whereas the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau Following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review, was signed by the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Palau on September 3, 2010, and amended on September 19, 2018;Whereas, on May 22, 2023, the United States signed the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau Resulting From the 2023 Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review;Whereas, on May 23, 2023, the United States signed 3 agreements related to the U.S.-FSM Compact of Free Association, including an Agreement to Amend the Compact, as amended, a new fiscal procedures agreement, and a new trust fund agreement and on September 28, 2023, the United States signed a Federal Programs and Services agreement related to the U.S.-FSM Compact of Free Association; andWhereas, on October 16, 2023, the United States signed 3 agreements relating to the U.S.-RMI Compact of Free Association, including an Agreement to Amend the Compact, as amended, a new fiscal procedures agreement, and a new trust fund agreement: Now, therefore, be it
1.
Short title
This joint resolution may be cited as the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023.
2.
Definitions
In this joint resolution:(1)
1986 compact
The term 1986 Compact means the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States and the Governments of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1901 note; Public Law 99–239).(2)
2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact
The term 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact means the Compact of Free Association amending the 1986 Compact entitled the Compact of Free Association, as amended, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia set forth in section 201(a) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921 note; Public Law 108–188).(3)
2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact
The term 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact means the Compact of Free Association amending the 1986 Compact entitled Compact of Free Association, as amended, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands set forth in section 201(b) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921 note; Public Law 108–188).(4)
2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact
The term 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact means the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia to Amend the Compact of Free Association, as Amended, done at Palikir May 23, 2023.(5)
2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact
The term 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact means the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to Amend the Compact of Free Association, as Amended, done at Honolulu October 16, 2023.(6)
2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact
The term 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact means the 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, as amended by the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact.(7)
2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact
The term 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact means the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, as amended by the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact.(8)
2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement
The term 2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement means the 2023 Federal Programs and Services Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, done at Washington September 28, 2023.(9)
2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement
The term 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement means the Agreement Concerning Procedures for the Implementation of United States Economic Assistance provided in the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, done at Palikir May 23, 2023. (10)
2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement
The term 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement means the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia Regarding the Compact Trust Fund, done at Palikir May 23, 2023. (11)
2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement
The term 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement means the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau Resulting From the 2023 Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review, done at Port Moresby May 22, 2023. (12)
2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement
The term 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement means the Agreement Concerning Procedures for the Implementation of United States Economic Assistance Provided in the 2023 Amended Compact Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, done at Honolulu October 16, 2023.(13)
2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement
The term 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement means the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Regarding the Compact Trust Fund, done at Honolulu October 16, 2023. (14)
Appropriate committees of congress
The term appropriate committees of Congress means—(A)the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;(B)the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;(C)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and(D)the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. (15)
Freely associated states
The term Freely Associated States means—(A)the Federated States of Micronesia;(B)the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and(C)the Republic of Palau.(16)
Subsidiary agreement
The term subsidiary agreement means any of the following:(A)The 2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement.(B)The 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement.(C)The 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement.(D)The 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement.(E)The 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement.(F)Any Federal Programs and Services Agreement in force between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.(G)Any Federal Programs and Services Agreement in force between the United States and the Republic of Palau.(H)Any other agreements that the United States may from time-to-time enter into with the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Government of the Republic of Palau, or the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in accordance with—(i)the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(ii)the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement; or(iii)the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact. (17)
U.S.-Palau Compact
The term U.S.-Palau Compact means the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau set forth in section 201 of Public Law 99–658 (48 U.S.C. 1931 note).
3.
Approval of 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact, 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact, 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, and subsidiary agreements
(a)
Federated States of Micronesia
(1)
Approval
The 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact and the 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement, as submitted to Congress on June 15, 2023, are approved and incorporated by reference.(2)
Consent of Congress
Congress consents to—(A)the 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement, as submitted to Congress on June 15, 2023; and (B)the 2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement. (3)
Authority of President
Notwithstanding section 101(f) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921(f)), the President is authorized to bring into force and implement the agreements described in paragraphs (1) and (2).(b)
Republic of the Marshall Islands
(1)
Approval
The 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact and the 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement, as submitted to Congress on October 17, 2023, are approved and incorporated by reference.(2)
Consent of Congress
Congress consents to the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement as submitted to Congress on October 17, 2023.(3)
Authority of President
Notwithstanding section 101(f) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921(f)), the President is authorized to bring into force and implement the agreements described in paragraphs (1) and (2).(c)
Republic of Palau
(1)
Approval
The 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, as submitted to Congress on June 15, 2023, is approved.(2)
Authority of President
The President is authorized to bring into force and implement the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.(d)
Amendments, changes, or termination to compacts and certain agreements
(1)
In general
Any amendment to, change to, or termination of all or any part of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or the U.S.-Palau Compact, by mutual agreement or unilateral action of the Government of the United States, shall not enter into force until the date on which Congress has incorporated the applicable amendment, change, or termination into an Act of Congress.(2)
Additional actions and agreements
In addition to the Compacts described in paragraph (1), the requirements of that paragraph shall apply to—(A)any action of the Government of the United States under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or U.S.-Palau Compact, including an action taken pursuant to section 431, 441, or 442 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or U.S.-Palau Compact;(B)any amendment to, change to, or termination of—(i)the agreement described in section 462(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(ii)the agreement described in section 462(a)(5) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact; (iii)an agreement concluded pursuant to section 265 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(iv)an agreement concluded pursuant to section 265 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;(v)an agreement concluded pursuant to section 177 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;(vi)Articles III and IV of the agreement described in section 462(b)(6) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(vii)Articles III, IV, and X of the agreement described in section 462(b)(6) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;(viii)the agreement described in section 462(h) of the U.S.-Palau Compact; and(ix)Articles VI, XV, and XVII of the agreement described in section 462(b)(7) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and section 462(i) of the U.S.-Palau Compact.(e)
Entry into force of future amendments to subsidiary agreements
An agreement between the United States and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Government of the Republic of Palau that would amend, change, or terminate any subsidiary agreement or portion of a subsidiary agreement (other than an amendment to, change to, or termination of an agreement described in subsection (d)) shall not enter into force until the date that is 90 days after the date on which the President has transmitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives—(1)the agreement to amend, change, or terminate the subsidiary agreement;(2)an explanation of the amendment, change, or termination;(3)a description of the reasons for the amendment, change, or termination; and(4)in the case of an agreement that would amend, change, or terminate any agreement described in section 462(b)(3) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact or the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, a statement by the Secretary of Labor that describes—(A)the necessity of the amendment, change, or termination; and(B)any impacts of the amendment, change, or termination.
4.
Agreements with Federated States of Micronesia
(a)
Law enforcement assistance
(1)
In general
Pursuant to sections 222 and 224 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, the United States shall provide nonreimbursable technical and training assistance, as appropriate, including training and equipment for postal inspection of illicit drugs and other contraband, to enable the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia—(A)to develop and adequately enforce laws of the Federated States of Micronesia; and(B)to cooperate with the United States in the enforcement of criminal laws of the United States. (2)
Use of appropriated funds
Funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (j) of section 105 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d) (as amended by section 8(j)) may be used in accordance with section 102(a) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921a(a)). (b)
United states appointees to joint economic management committee
(1)
In general
The 3 United States appointees (which are composed of the United States chair and 2 other members from the Government of the United States) to the Joint Economic Management Committee established under section 213 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact (referred to in this subsection as the Committee) shall—(A)be voting members of the Committee; and(B)continue to be officers or employees of the Federal Government.(2)
Term; appointment
The 3 United States members of the Committee described in paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term of 2 years as follows:(A)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.(B)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.(C)1 member shall be appointed by the Interagency Group on Freely Associated States established under section 7(d)(1).(3)
Reappointment
A United States member of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) may be reappointed for not more than 2 additional 2-year terms.(4)
Qualifications
Not fewer than 2 United States members of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) shall be individuals who—(A)by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, grant administration, program management, or international economics; and(B)possess not less than 5 years of full-time experience in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, grant administration, program management, or international economics.(5)
Notice
(A)
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of appointment of a United States member of the Committee under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress that an individual has been appointed as a voting member of the Committee under that paragraph, including a statement prepared by the Secretary of the Interior attesting to the qualifications of the member described in paragraph (4), subject to subparagraph (B).(B)
Requirement
For purposes of a statement required under subparagraph (A)—(i)in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of State on request of the Secretary of the Interior; and(ii)in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Interagency Group on Freely Associated States established under section 7(d)(1) on request of the Secretary of the Interior.(6)
Reports to congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Committee receives or completes any report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Congress.(7)
Notice to congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia submits to the Committee a report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—(A)if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or(B)if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.(c)
United states appointees to joint trust fund committee
(1)
In general
The 3 United States voting members (which are composed of the United States chair and 2 other members from the Government of the United States) to the Joint Trust Fund Committee established pursuant to the agreement described in section 462(b)(5) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact (referred to in this subsection as the Committee) shall continue to be officers or employees of the Federal Government. (2)
Term; appointment
The 3 United States members of the Committee described in paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term not more than 2 years as follows:(A)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State.(B)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.(C)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury.(3)
Reappointment
A United States member of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) may be reappointed for not more than 2 additional 2-year terms.(4)
Qualifications
Not fewer than 2 members of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) shall be individuals who—(A)by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, financial investment, grant administration, program management, or international economics; and(B)possess not less than 5 years of full-time experience in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, financial investment, grant administration, program management, or international economics.(5)
Notice
(A)
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of appointment of a United States member to the Committee under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress that an individual has been appointed as a voting member of the Committee under that paragraph, including a statement attesting to the qualifications of the member described in paragraph (4), subject to subparagraph (B).(B)
Requirement
For purposes of a statement required under subparagraph (A)—(i)in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of State on request of the Secretary of the Interior; and(ii)in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of the Treasury on request of the Secretary of the Interior.(6)
Reports to congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Committee receives or completes any report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Congress.(7)
Notice to Congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia submits to the Committee a report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—(A)if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or(B)if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.
5.
Agreements with and other provisions related to the Republic of the Marshall Islands
(a)
Law enforcement assistance
(1)
In general
Pursuant to sections 222 and 224 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, the United States shall provide nonreimbursable technical and training assistance, as appropriate, including training and equipment for postal inspection of illicit drugs and other contraband, to enable the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands—(A)to develop and adequately enforce laws of the Marshall Islands; and (B)to cooperate with the United States in the enforcement of criminal laws of the United States. (2)
Use of appropriated funds
Funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (j) of section 105 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d) (as amended by section 8(j)) may be used in accordance with section 103(a) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(a)). (b)
Espousal provisions
(1)
In general
Congress reaffirms that—(A)section 103(g)(1) of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(g)(1)) and section 103(e)(1) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(e)(1)) provided that It is the intention of the Congress of the United States that the provisions of section 177 of the Compact of Free Association and the Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands for the Implementation of Section 177 of the Compact (hereafter in this subsection referred to as the Section 177 Agreement) constitute a full and final settlement of all claims described in Articles X and XI of the Section 177 Agreement, and that any such claims be terminated and barred except insofar as provided for in the Section 177 Agreement.; and (B)section 103(g)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(g)(2)) and section 103(e)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(e)(2)) provided that In furtherance of the intention of Congress as stated in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Section 177 Agreement is hereby ratified and approved. It is the explicit understanding and intent of Congress that the jurisdictional limitations set forth in Article XII of such Agreement are enacted solely and exclusively to accomplish the objective of Article X of such Agreement and only as a clarification of the effect of Article X, and are not to be construed or implemented separately from Article X..(2)
Effect
Nothing in the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact affects the application of the provisions of law reaffirmed by paragraph (1).(c)
Certain section 177 agreement provisions
Congress reaffirms that—(1)Article IX of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands for the Implementation of Section 177 of the Compact of Free Association, done at Majuro June 25, 1983, provided that If loss or damage to property and person of the citizens of the Marshall Islands, resulting from the Nuclear Testing Program, arises or is discovered after the effective date of this Agreement, and such injuries were not and could not reasonably have been identified as of the effective date of this Agreement, and if such injuries render the provisions of this Agreement manifestly inadequate, the Government of the Marshall Islands may request that the Government of the United States provide for such injuries by submitting such a request to the Congress of the United States for its consideration. It is understood that this Article does not commit the Congress of the United States to authorize and appropriate funds.; and(2)section 3(a) of Article XIII of the agreement described in paragraph (1) provided that The Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands shall consult at the request of either of them on matters relating to the provisions of this Agreement..(d)
United states appointees to joint economic management and financial accountability committee
(1)
In general
The 2 United States appointees (which are composed of the United States chair and 1 other member from the Government of the United States) to the Joint Economic Management and Financial Accountability Committee established under section 214 of the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact (referred to in this subsection as the Committee) shall—(A)be voting members of the Committee; and(B)continue to be officers or employees of the Federal Government.(2)
Term; appointment
The 2 United States members of the Committee described in paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term of 2 years as follows:(A)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.(B)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.(3)
Reappointment
A United States member of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) may be reappointed for not more than 2 additional 2-year terms.(4)
Qualifications
At least 1 United States member of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) shall be an individual who—(A)by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, is especially qualified in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, grant administration, program management, or international economics; and(B)possesses not less than 5 years of full-time experience in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, grant administration, program management, or international economics.(5)
Notice
(A)
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of appointment of a United States member under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress that an individual has been appointed as a voting member of the Committee under that paragraph, including a statement attesting to the qualifications of the member described in paragraph (4), subject to subparagraph (B).(B)
Requirement
For purposes of a statement required under subparagraph (A), in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of State on request of the Secretary of the Interior.(6)
Reports to congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Committee receives or completes any report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Congress.(7)
Notice to congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands submits to the Committee a report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—(A)if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or(B)if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.(e)
United states appointees to trust fund committee
(1)
In general
The 3 United States voting members (which are composed of the United States chair and 2 other members from the Government of the United States) to the Trust Fund Committee established pursuant to the agreement described in section 462(b)(5) of the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact (referred to in this subsection as the Committee) shall continue to be officers or employees of the Federal Government. (2)
Term; appointment
The 3 United States members of the Committee described in paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term not more than 5 years as follows:(A)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State.(B)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.(C)1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury.(3)
Reappointment
A United States member of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) may be reappointed for not more than 2 additional 2-year terms.(4)
Qualifications
Not fewer than 2 members of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) shall be individuals who—(A)by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, financial investment, grant administration, program management, or international economics; and(B)possess not less than 5 years of full-time experience in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, financial investment, grant administration, program management, or international economics.(5)
Notice
(A)
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of appointment of a United States Member under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress that an individual has been appointed as a voting member of the Committee under that paragraph, including a statement attesting to the qualifications of the appointee described in paragraph (4), subject to subparagraph (B).(B)
Requirement
For purposes of a statement required under subparagraph (A)—(i)in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of State on request of the Secretary of the Interior; and(ii)in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of the Treasury on request of the Secretary of the Interior.(6)
Reports to congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Committee receives or completes any report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Congress.(7)
Notice to Congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands submits to the Committee a report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—(A)if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or(B)if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted. (f)
Four atoll health care program
Congress reaffirms that—(1)section 103(j)(1) of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(j)(1)) and section 103(h)(1) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(h)(1)) provided that services provided by the United States Public Health Service or any other United States agency pursuant to section 1(a) of Article II of the Agreement for the Implementation of Section 177 of the Compact (hereafter in this subsection referred to as the Section 177 Agreement) shall be only for services to the people of the Atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrik who were affected by the consequences of the United States nuclear testing program, pursuant to the program described in Public Law 95–134 and Public Law 96–205 and their descendants (and any other persons identified as having been so affected if such identification occurs in the manner described in such public laws). Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as prejudicial to the views or policies of the Government of the Marshall Islands as to the persons affected by the consequences of the United States nuclear testing program.;(2)section 103(j)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(j)(2)) and section 103(h)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(h)(2)) provided that at the end of the first year after the effective date of the Compact and at the end of each year thereafter, the providing agency or agencies shall return to the Government of the Marshall Islands any unexpended funds to be returned to the Fund Manager (as described in Article I of the Section 177 Agreement) to be covered into the Fund to be available for future use.; and(3)section 103(j)(3) of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(j)(3)) and section 103(h)(3) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(h)(3)) provided that the Fund Manager shall retain the funds returned by the Government of the Marshall Islands pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, shall invest and manage such funds, and at the end of 15 years after the effective date of the Compact, shall make from the total amount so retained and the proceeds thereof annual disbursements sufficient to continue to make payments for the provision of health services as specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection to such extent as may be provided in contracts between the Government of the Marshall Islands and appropriate United States providers of such health services..(g)
Radiological health care program
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on the request of the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the President (through an appropriate department or agency of the United States) shall continue to provide special medical care and logistical support for the remaining members of the population of Rongelap and Utrik who were exposed to radiation resulting from the 1954 United States thermonuclear Bravo test, pursuant to Public Law 95–134 (91 Stat. 1159) and Public Law 96–205 (94 Stat. 84).(h)
Agricultural and food programs
(1)
In general
Congress reaffirms that—(A)section 103(h)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(h)(2)) and section 103(f)(2)(A) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(2)(A)) provided that notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon the request of the Government of the Marshall Islands, for the first fifteen years after the effective date of the Compact, the President (either through an appropriate department or agency of the United States or by contract with a United States firm or by a grant to the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands which may further contract only with a United States firm or a Republic of the Marshall Islands firm, the owners, officers and majority of the employees of which are citizens of the United States or the Republic of the Marshall Islands) shall provide technical and other assistance without reimbursement, to continue the planting and agricultural maintenance program on Enewetak; without reimbursement, to continue the food programs of the Bikini, Rongelap, Utrik, and Enewetak people described in section 1(d) of Article II of the Subsidiary Agreement for the Implementation of Section 177 of the Compact and for continued waterborne transportation of agricultural products to Enewetak including operations and maintenance of the vessel used for such purposes.; (B)section 103(h)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(h)(2)) and section 103(f)(2)(B) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(2)(B)) provided that The President shall ensure the assistance provided under these programs reflects the changes in the population since the inception of such programs.; and(C)section 103(h)(3) of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(h)(3)) and section 103(f)(3) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(3)) provided that payments under this subsection shall be provided to such extent or in such amounts as are necessary for services and other assistance provided pursuant to this subsection. It is the sense of Congress that after the periods of time specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, consideration will be given to such additional funding for these programs as may be necessary..(2)
Planting and agricultural maintenance program
The Secretary of the Interior may provide grants to the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to carry out a planting and agricultural maintenance program on Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrik.(3)
Food programs
The Secretary of Agriculture may provide, without reimbursement, food programs to the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
6.
Agreements with and other provisions related to the Republic of Palau
(a)
Bilateral economic consultations
United States participation in the annual economic consultations referred to in Article 8 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement shall be by officers or employees of the Federal Government.(b)
Economic advisory group
(1)
Qualifications
A member of the Economic Advisory Group described in Article 7 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement (referred to in this subsection as the Advisory Group) who is appointed by the Secretary of the Interior shall be an individual who, by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, is especially qualified in private sector business development, economic development, or national development. (2)
Funds
With respect to the Advisory Group, the Secretary of the Interior may use available funds for— (A)the costs of the 2 members of the Advisory Group designated by the United States in accordance with Article 7 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement; (B)50 percent of the costs of the 5th member of the Advisory Group designated by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the Article described in subparagraph (A); and(C)the costs of—(i)technical and administrative assistance for the Advisory Group; and (ii)other support necessary for the Advisory Group to accomplish the purpose of the Advisory Group.(3)
Reports to congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Advisory Group receives or completes any report required under the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Congress.(c)
Reports to congress
(1)
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Republic of Palau completes any report required under the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of Congress.(2)
Notice to congress
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Republic of Palau submits a report required under the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—(A)if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or(B)if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.
7.
Oversight provisions
(a)
Authorities and duties of the Comptroller General of the United States
(1)
In general
The Comptroller General of the United States (including any duly authorized representative of the Comptroller General of the United States) shall have the authorities necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Comptroller General of the United States under—(A)the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and related subsidiary agreements, including the authorities and privileges described in section 102(b) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921a(b));(B)the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and related subsidiary agreements, including the authorities and privileges described in section 103(k) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(k)); and(C)the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, related subsidiary agreements, and the authorities described in appendix D of the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau Following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review signed by the United States and the Republic of Palau on September 3, 2010.(2)
Reports
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report with respect to the Freely Associated States, including addressing—(A)the topics described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of section 104(h)(1) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921c(h)(1)), except that for purposes of a report submitted under this paragraph, the report shall address those topics with respect to each of the Freely Associated States; and(B)the effectiveness of administrative oversight by the United States of the Freely Associated States.(b)
Secretary of the Interior oversight authority
The Secretary of the Interior shall have the authority necessary to fulfill the responsibilities for monitoring and managing the funds appropriated to the Compact of Free Association account of the Department of the Interior by section 10(a) to carry out—(1)the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(2)the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;(3)the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement; and(4)subsidiary agreements.(c)
Postmaster General oversight authority
The Postmaster General shall have the authority necessary to fulfill the responsibilities for monitoring and managing the funds appropriated to the United States Postal Service under paragraph (1) of section 10(b) and deposited in the Postal Service Fund under paragraph (2)(A) of that section to carry out—(1)section 221(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(2)section 221(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;(3)section 221(a)(2) of the U.S.-Palau Compact; and(4)Article 6(a) of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.(d)
Interagency Group on Freely Associated States
(1)
Establishment
The President, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Defense, shall establish an Interagency Group on Freely Associated States (referred to in this subsection as the Interagency Group).(2)
Purpose
The purposes of the Interagency Group are—(A)to coordinate development and implementation of executive branch policies, programs, services, and other activities in or relating to the Freely Associated States; and(B)to provide policy guidance, recommendations, and oversight to Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities with respect to the implementation of—(i)the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(ii)the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact; and(iii)the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.(3)
Membership
The Interagency Group shall consist of—(A)the Secretary of State, who shall serve as co-chair of the Interagency Group;(B)the Secretary of the Interior, who shall serve as co-chair of the Interagency Group;(C)the Secretary of Defense;(D)the Secretary of the Treasury;(E)the heads of relevant Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities carrying out obligations under—(i)sections 131 and 132 of the 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and subsections (a) and (b) of section 221 and section 261 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(ii)sections 131 and 132 of the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and subsections (a) and (b) of section 221 and section 261 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;(iii)sections 131 and 132 and subsections (a) and (b) of section 221 of the U.S.-Palau Compact;(iv)Article 6 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement;(v)any applicable subsidiary agreement; and(vi)section 8; and(F)the head of any other Federal agency, department, or instrumentality that the Secretary of State or the Secretary of the Interior may designate.(4)
Duties of secretary of state and secretary of the interior
The Secretary of State (or a senior official designee of the Secretary of State) and the Secretary of the Interior (or a senior official designee of the Secretary of the Interior) shall—(A)co-lead and preside at a meeting of the Interagency Group not less frequently than annually;(B)determine, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the agenda for meetings of the Interagency Group; and(C)facilitate and coordinate the work of the Interagency Group.(5)
Duties of the Interagency Group
The Interagency Group shall—(A)provide advice on the establishment or implementation of policies relating to the Freely Associated States to the President, acting through the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, in the form of a written report not less frequently than annually;(B)obtain information and advice relating to the Freely Associated States from the Presidents, other elected officials, and members of civil society of the Freely Associated States, including through the members of the Interagency Group (including senior official designees of the members) meeting not less frequently than annually with any Presidents of the Freely Associated States who elect to participate;(C)at the request of the head of any Federal agency (or a senior official designee of the head of a Federal agency) who is a member of the Interagency Group, promptly review and provide advice on a policy or policy implementation action affecting 1 or more of the Freely Associated States proposed by the Federal agency, department, or instrumentality; and(D)facilitate coordination of relevant policies, programs, initiatives, and activities involving 1 or more of the Freely Associated States, including ensuring coherence and avoiding duplication between programs, initiatives, and activities conducted pursuant to a Compact with a Freely Associated State and non-Compact programs, initiatives, and activities.(6)
Reports
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this joint resolution and each year thereafter in which a Compact of Free Association with a Freely Associated State is in effect, the President shall submit to the majority leader and minority leader of the Senate, the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes the activities and recommendations of the Interagency Group during the applicable year.(e)
Federal agency coordination
The head of any Federal agency providing programs and services to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau shall coordinate with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State regarding the provision of the programs and services.(f)
Foreign loans or debt
Congress reaffirms that—(1)the foreign loans or debt of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Government of the Republic of Palau shall not constitute an obligation of the United States; and (2)the full faith and credit of the United States Government shall not be pledged for the payment and performance of any foreign loan or debt referred to in paragraph (1) without specific further authorization.(g)
Compact compilation
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes a compilation of the Compact of Free Association with the Federated State of Micronesia, the Compact of Free Association with the Republic of Palau, and the Compact of Free Association with Republic of the Marshall Islands.(h)
Publication; Revision by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel
(1)
Publication
In publishing this joint resolution in slip form and in the United States Statutes at Large pursuant to section 112 of title 1, United States Code, the Archivist of the United States shall include after the date of approval at the end an appendix setting forth the text of—(A)the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact; and(B)the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact.(2)
Revision by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel
The Office of the Law Revision Counsel is directed to revise—(A)the 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact set forth in the note following section 1921 of title 48, United States Code, to reflect the amendments to the 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact made by the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact; and(B)the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact set forth in the note following section 1921 of title 48, United States Code, to reflect the amendments to the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact made by the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact.
8.
United States policy regarding the Freely Associated States
(a)
Authorization for veterans’ services
(1)
Definition of Freely Associated States
In this subsection, the term Freely Associated States means—(A)the Federated States of Micronesia, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–239; 48 U.S.C. 1901 note);(B)the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–239; 48 U.S.C. 1901 note); and(C)the Republic of Palau, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau set forth in section 201 of Joint Resolution entitled Joint Resolution to approve the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau, and for other purposes (Public Law 99–658; 48 U.S.C. 1931 note).(2)
Hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care abroad
Section 1724 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—(A)in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsections (b), (c), and (f); and(B)by adding at the end the following:(f)(1)The Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical services in the Freely Associated States to a veteran who is otherwise eligible to receive hospital care and medical services.(2)In furnishing hospital care and medical services under paragraph (1), the Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical services through—(A)contracts or other agreements;(B)reimbursement; or(C)the direct provision of care by health care personnel of the Department.(3)In furnishing hospital care and medical services under paragraph (1), the Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical services for any condition regardless of whether the condition is connected to the service of the veteran in the Armed Forces.(4)(A)A veteran who has received hospital care or medical services in a country pursuant to this subsection shall remain eligible, to the extent determined advisable and practicable by the Secretary, for hospital care or medical services in that country regardless of whether the country continues to qualify as a Freely Associated State for purposes of this subsection.(B)If the Secretary determines it is no longer advisable or practicable to allow veterans described in subparagraph (A) to remain eligible for hospital care or medical services pursuant to such subparagraph, the Secretary shall—(i)provide direct notice of that determination to such veterans; and(ii)publish that determination and the reasons for that determination in the Federal Register. (5)In this subsection, the term Freely Associated States means—(A)the Federated States of Micronesia, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–239; 48 U.S.C. 1901 note);(B)the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–239; 48 U.S.C. 1901 note); and(C)the Republic of Palau, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau set forth in section 201 of Joint Resolution entitled Joint Resolution to approve the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau, and for other purposes (Public Law 99–658; 48 U.S.C. 1931 note)..(3)
Beneficiary travel
Section 111 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:(h)(1)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may make payments to or for any person traveling in, to, or from the Freely Associated States for receipt of care or services authorized under section 1724(f) of this title.(2)A person who has received payment for travel in a country pursuant to this subsection shall remain eligible for payment for such travel in that country regardless of whether the country continues to qualify as a Freely Associated State for purposes of this subsection.(3)The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this subsection.(4)In this subsection, the term Freely Associated States means—(A)the Federated States of Micronesia, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–239; 48 U.S.C. 1901 note);(B)the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–239; 48 U.S.C. 1901 note); and(C)the Republic of Palau, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau set forth in section 201 of Joint Resolution entitled Joint Resolution to approve the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau, and for other purposes (Public Law 99–658; 48 U.S.C. 1931 note)..(4)
Legal issues
(A)
Health services
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall work with the governments of the Freely Associated States to facilitate the furnishing of health services, including telehealth, under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to veterans in the Freely Associated States, such as by addressing—(i)licensure, certification, registration, and tort issues relating to health care personnel; and(ii)matters relating to delivery of pharmaceutical products and medical surgical products, including delivery of such products through the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to the Freely Associated States.(B)
Licensure of health care professionals providing treatment via telemedicine in the Freely Associated States
Section 1730C(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking any State and inserting any State or any of the Freely Associated States (as defined in section 1724(f) of this title).(C)
Payment of claims
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may pay tort claims, in the manner authorized in the first paragraph of section 2672 of title 28, United States Code, when such claims arise in the Freely Associated States in connection with furnishing hospital care or medical services or providing medical consultation or medical advice to a veteran under the laws administered by the Secretary, including through a remote or telehealth program.(5)
Outreach and assessment of options
During the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this joint resolution, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, subject to the availability of appropriations—(A)conduct robust outreach to, and engage with, each government of the Freely Associated States;(B)assess options for the delivery of care through the use of authorities provided pursuant to the amendments made by this subsection; and(C)increase staffing as necessary to conduct outreach under subparagraph (A).(b)
Authorization of education programs
(1)
Eligibility
For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Government of the United States shall—(A)continue to make available to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, grants for services to individuals eligible for such services under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.) to the extent that those services continue to be available to individuals in the United States;(B)continue to make available to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands and make available to the Republic of Palau, competitive grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), and part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1450 et seq.), to the extent that those grants continue to be available to State and local governments in the United States;(C)continue to make grants available to the Republic of Palau under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.), the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 U.S.C. 3271 et seq.), and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.);(D)continue to make available to eligible institutions of higher education in the Republic of Palau and make available to eligible institutions of higher education in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands and to students enrolled in those institutions of higher education, and to students who are citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau and enrolled in institutions of higher education in the United States and territories of the United States, grants under—(i)subpart 1 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.);(ii)subpart 3 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq.); and(iii)part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087–51 et seq.);(E)require, as a condition of eligibility for a public institution of higher education in any State (as defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003)) that is not a Freely Associated State to participate in or receive funds under any program under title IV of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), that the institution charge students who are citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau tuition for attendance at a rate that is not greater than the rate charged for residents of the State in which such public institution of higher education is located; and(F)continue to make available, to eligible institutions of higher education, secondary schools, and nonprofit organizations in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, competitive grants under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).(2)
Other formula grants
Except as provided in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Education shall not make a grant under any formula grant program administered by the Department of Education to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.(3)
Grants to the Freely Associated States under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Section 611(b)(1) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411(b)(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:(A)
Funds reserved
From the amount appropriated for any fiscal year under subsection (i), the Secretary shall reserve not more than 1 percent, which shall be used as follows:(i)To provide assistance to the outlying areas in accordance with their respective populations of individuals aged 3 through 21.(ii)(I)To provide each freely associated State a grant so that no freely associated State receives a lesser share of the total funds reserved for the freely associated State than the freely associated State received of those funds for fiscal year 2023.(II)Each freely associated State shall establish its eligibility under this subparagraph consistent with the requirements for a State under section 612.(III)The funds provided to each freely associated State under this part may be used to provide, to each infant or toddler with a disability (as defined in section 632), either a free appropriate public education, consistent with section 612, or early intervention services consistent with part C, notwithstanding the application and eligibility requirements of sections 634(2), 635, and 637..(4)
Technical amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended— (A)by striking subparagraph (A) of section 1121(b)(1) (20 U.S.C. 6331(b)(1)(A)) and inserting the following: (A)first reserve $1,000,000 for the Republic of Palau, subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may establish, except that Public Law 95–134, permitting the consolidation of grants, shall not apply; and; and(B)by striking paragraph (36) of section 8101 (20 U.S.C. 7801(36)) and inserting the following:(36)
Outlying area
The term outlying area—(A)means American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and(B)for the purpose of any discretionary grant program under this Act, includes the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau, to the extent that any such grant program continues to be available to State and local governments in the United States..(5)
Technical amendment to the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003
Section 105(f)(1)(B) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d(f)(1)(B)) is amended by striking clause (ix).(6)
Head start programs
(A)
Definitions
Section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832) is amended, in the paragraph defining the term State, by striking the second sentence and inserting The term State includes the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau..(B)
Allotment of funds
Section 640(a)(2)(B) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(a)(2)(B)) is amended—(i)in clause (iv), by inserting the Republic of Palau, before and the Virgin Islands; and(ii)by striking clause (v) and inserting the following:(v)if a base grant has been established through appropriations for the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands, to provide an amount for that jurisdiction (for Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) in the jurisdiction) that is equal to the amount provided for base grants for such jurisdiction under this subchapter for the prior fiscal year, by allotting to each agency described in this clause an amount equal to that agency’s base grant for the prior fiscal year; and.(7)
Coordination required
The Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as applicable, shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate with the 3 United States appointees to the Joint Economic Management Committee described in section 4(b)(1) and the 2 United States appointees to the Joint Economic Management and Financial Accountability Committee described in section 5(d)(1) to avoid duplication of economic assistance for education provided under section 261(a)(1) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact or section 261(a)(1) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact of activities or services provided under—(A)the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.);(B)subpart 3 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq.); or(C)part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087–51 et seq.).(c)
Authorization of Department of Defense programs
(1)
Department of Defense medical facilities
The Secretary of Defense shall make available, on a space available and reimbursable basis, the medical facilities of the Department of Defense for use by citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, who are properly referred to the facilities by government authorities responsible for provision of medical services in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the affected jurisdictions (as defined in section 104(e)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921c(e)(2))).(2)
Participation by secondary schools in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Student Testing Program
It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense may extend the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Student Testing Program and the ASVAB Career Exploration Program to selected secondary schools in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau to the extent such programs are available to Department of Defense dependent secondary schools established under section 2164 of title 10, United States Code, and located outside the United States. (d)
Judicial training
In addition to amounts provided under section 261(a)(4) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and under subsections (a) and (b) of Article 1 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2043, the Secretary of the Interior shall use the amounts made available to the Secretary of the Interior under section 10(c) to train judges and officials of the judiciary in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, in cooperation with the Pacific Islands Committee of the judicial council of the ninth judicial circuit of the United States.(e)
Eligibility for the Republic of Palau
(1)
National Health Service Corps
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make the services of the National Health Service Corps available to the residents of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau to the same extent, and for the same duration, as services are authorized to be provided to persons residing in any other areas within or outside the United States. (2)
Additional programs and services
The Republic of Palau shall be eligible for the programs and services made available to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands under section 108(a) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921g(a)).(3)
Programs and services of certain agencies
In addition to the programs and services set forth in the operative Federal Programs and Services Agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau, the programs and services of the following agencies shall be made available to the Republic of Palau:(A)The Legal Services Corporation.(B)The Public Health Service.(C)The Rural Housing Service.(f)
Compact impact fairness
(1)
In general
Section 402 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612) is amended—(A)in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following:(N)
Exception for citizens of freely associated states
With respect to eligibility for benefits for any specified Federal program, paragraph (1) shall not apply to any individual who lawfully resides in the United States in accordance with section 141 of the Compacts of Free Association between the Government of the United States and the Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.; and(B)in subsection (b)(2)(G)—(i)in the subparagraph heading, by striking medicaid exception for and inserting exception for; and(ii)by striking the designated Federal program defined in paragraph (3)(C) (relating to the Medicaid program) and inserting any designated Federal program.(2)
Exception to 5-year wait requirement
Section 403(b)(3) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613(b)(3)) is amended by striking , but only with respect to the designated Federal program defined in section 402(b)(3)(C).(3)
Definition of qualified alien
Section 431(b)(8) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1641(b)(8)) is amended by striking , but only with respect to the designated Federal program defined in section 402(b)(3)(C) (relating to the Medicaid program).(g)
Consultation with international financial institutions
The Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State, shall consult with appropriate officials of the Asian Development Bank and relevant international financial institutions (as defined in section 1701(c) of the International Financial Institutions Act (22 U.S.C. 262r(c))), as appropriate, with respect to overall economic conditions in, and the activities of other providers of assistance to, the Freely Associated States.(h)
Chief of mission
Section 105(b) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:(5)Pursuant to section 207 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3927), all United States Government executive branch employees in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau fall under the authority of the respective applicable chief of mission, except for employees identified as excepted from the authority under Federal law or by Presidential directive..(i)
Establishment of a unit for the Freely Associated States in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Department of State and increasing personnel focused on Oceania
(1)
Definition of appropriate congressional committees
In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. (2)
Requirements
The Secretary of State shall—(A)assign additional full-time equivalent personnel to the Office of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island Affairs of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Department of State, including to the unit established under subparagraph (B), as the Secretary of State determines to be appropriate, in accordance with paragraph (4)(A); and (B)establish a unit in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Department of State to carry out the functions described in paragraph (3).(3)
Functions of unit
The unit established under paragraph (2)(B) shall be responsible for the following:(A)Managing the bilateral and regional relations with the Freely Associated States.(B)Supporting the Secretary of State in leading negotiations relating to the Compacts of Free Association with the Freely Associated States.(C)Coordinating, in consultation with the Department of the Interior, the Department of Defense, and other interagency partners as appropriate, implementation of the Compacts of Free Association with the Freely Associated States.(4)
Full-time equivalent employees
The Secretary of State shall—(A)not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this joint resolution, assign to the Office of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island Affairs of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, including to the unit established under paragraph (2)(B), not less than 4 additional full-time equivalent staff, who shall not be dual-hatted, including by considering—(i)the use of existing flexible hiring authorities, including Domestic Employees Teleworking Overseas (DETOs); and(ii)the realignment of existing personnel, including from the United States Mission in Australia, as appropriate; (B)reduce the number of vacant foreign service positions in the Pacific Island region by establishing an incentive program within the Foreign Service for overseas positions related to the Pacific Island region; and(C)report to the appropriate congressional committees on progress toward objectives outlined in this subsection beginning 1 year from the date of enactment of this joint resolution and annually thereafter for 5 years.(j)
Technical assistance
Section 105 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d) is amended by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:(j)
Technical assistance
(1)
In general
Technical assistance may be provided pursuant to section 224 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, section 224 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or section 222 of the U.S.-Palau Compact (as those terms are defined in section 2 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023) by Federal agencies and institutions of the Government of the United States to the extent the assistance shall be provided to States, territories, or units of local government.(2)
Historic preservation
(A)
In general
Any technical assistance authorized under paragraph (1) that is provided by the Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the United States Coast Guard, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Department of the Interior, or any other Federal agency providing assistance under division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code, may be provided on a nonreimbursable basis.(B)
Grants
During the period in which the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact (as so defined) and the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact (as so defined) are in force, the grant programs under division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code, shall continue to apply to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the same manner and to the same extent as those programs applied prior to the approval of the U.S.-FSM Compact and U.S.-RMI Compact.(3)
Additional funds
Any funds provided pursuant to this subsection, subsections (c), (g), (h), (i), (k), (l), and (m), section 102(a), and subsections (a), (b), (f), (g), (h), and (j) of section 103 shall be in addition to, and not charged against, any amounts to be paid to the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands pursuant to—(A)the U.S.-FSM Compact;(B)the U.S.-RMI Compact; or(C)any related subsidiary agreement..(k)
Continuing trust territory authorization
The authorization provided by the Act of June 30, 1954 (68 Stat. 330, chapter 423), shall remain available after the effective date of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact with respect to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands for transition purposes, including—(1)completion of projects and fulfillment of commitments or obligations;(2)termination of the Trust Territory Government and termination of the High Court;(3)health and education as a result of exceptional circumstances;(4)ex gratia contributions for the populations of Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrik; and(5)technical assistance and training in financial management, program administration, and maintenance of infrastructure.(l)
Technical amendments
(1)
Public health service act definition
Section 2(f) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201(f)) is amended by striking and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and inserting the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.(2)
Compact impact amendments
Section 104(e) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921c(e)) is amended—(A)in paragraph (4)—(i)in subparagraph (A), by striking beginning in fiscal year 2003 and inserting during the period of fiscal years 2003 through 2023; and(ii)in subparagraph (C), by striking after fiscal year 2003 and inserting for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2023;(B)by striking paragraph (5); and(C)by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (10) as paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively.
9.
Additional authorities
(a)
Agencies, departments, and instrumentalities
(1)
In general
Appropriations to carry out the obligations, services, and programs described in paragraph (2) shall be made directly to the Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities carrying out the obligations, services and programs.(2)
Obligations, services, and programs described
The obligations, services, and programs referred to in paragraphs (1) and (3) are the obligations, services, and programs under—(A)sections 131 and 132, paragraphs (1) and (3) through (6) of section 221(a), and section 221(b) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(B)sections 131 and 132, paragraphs (1) and (3) through (6) of section 221(a), and section 221(b) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;(C)sections 131 and 132 and paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 221(a) of the U.S.-Palau Compact;(D)Article 6 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement; and(E)section 8.(3)
Authority
The heads of the Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities to which appropriations are made available under paragraph (1) as well as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall—(A)have the authority to carry out any activities that are necessary to fulfill the obligations, services, and programs described in paragraph (2); and (B)use available funds to carry out the activities under subparagraph (A).(b)
Additional assistance
Any assistance provided pursuant to section 105(j) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d(j)) (as amended by section 8(j)) and sections 4(a), 5(a), 6(b), and 8 shall be in addition to and not charged against any amounts to be paid to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau pursuant to—(1)the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(2)the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact; (3)the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement; or (4)any related subsidiary agreement.(c)
Remaining balances
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 109 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921h)—(1)remaining balances appropriated to carry out sections 211, 212(b), 215, and 217 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, shall be programmed pursuant to Article IX of the 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement; and(2)remaining balances appropriated to carry out sections 211, 213(b), 216, and 218 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, shall be programmed pursuant to Article XI of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement. (d)
Grants
Notwithstanding any other provision of law—(1)contributions under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, and the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact may be provided as grants for purposes of implementation of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, and the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact under the laws of the United States; and (2)funds appropriated pursuant to section 10 may be deposited in interest-bearing accounts and any interest earned may be retained in and form part of those accounts for use consistent with the purpose of the deposit.(e)
Rule of construction
Except as specifically provided, nothing in this joint resolution or the amendments made by this joint resolution amends the following:(1)Title I of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).(2)Title I of Public Law 99–658 (48 U.S.C. 1931 et seq.).(3)Title I of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.).(4)Section 1259C of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (48 U.S.C. 1931 note; Public Law 115–91).(5)The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141; 132 Stat. 635).(f)
Clarification relating to appropriated funds
Notwithstanding section 109 of the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921h)—(1)funds appropriated by that section and deposited into the RMI Compact Trust Fund shall be governed by the 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement;(2)funds appropriated by that section and deposited into the FSM Compact Trust Fund shall be governed by the 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement;(3)funds appropriated by that section and made available for fiscal year 2024 or any fiscal year thereafter as grants to carry out the purposes of section 211(b) of the 2003 U.S.-RMI Amended Compact shall be subject to the provisions of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement;(4)funds appropriated by that section and made available for fiscal year 2024 or any fiscal year thereafter as grants to carry out the purposes of section 221 of the 2003 U.S.-RMI Amended Compact shall be subject to the provisions of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement, except as modified in the Federal Programs and Services Agreement in force between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and(5)funds appropriated by that section and made available for fiscal year 2024 or any fiscal year thereafter as grants to carry out the purposes of section 221 of the 2003 U.S.-FSM Amended Compact shall be subject to the provisions of the 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement, except as modified in the 2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement.
10.
Compact Appropriations
(a)
Funding for activities of the Secretary of the Interior
For the period of fiscal years 2024 through 2043, there are appropriated to the Compact of Free Association account of the Department of the Interior, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to remain available until expended, the amounts described in and to carry out the purposes of—(1)sections 261, 265, and 266 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;(2)sections 261, 265, and 266 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact; and(3)Articles 1, 2, and 3 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.(b)
Funding for activities of the United States Postal Service
(1)
Appropriation
There is appropriated to the United States Postal Service, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2043, $31,700,000, to remain available until expended, to carry out the costs of the following provisions that are not otherwise funded:(A)Section 221(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact.(B)Section 221(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact.(C)Section 221(a)(2) of the U.S.-Palau Compact.(D)Article 6(a) of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.(2)
Deposit
(A)
In general
The amounts appropriated to the United States Postal Service under paragraph (1) shall be deposited into the Postal Service Fund established under section 2003 of title 39, United States Code, to carry out the provisions described in that paragraph.(B)
Requirement
Any amounts deposited into the Postal Service Fund under subparagraph (A) shall be the fiduciary, fiscal, and audit responsibility of the Postal Service. (c)
Funding for judicial training
There is appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior to carry out section 8(d) out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $550,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2043, to remain available until expended.