119 HR 9508 IH: Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-06-29 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.

I119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 9508IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 29, 2026Mr. Case (for himself and Mr. Moylan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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 concernedA BILLTo require Homeland Security Investigations to establish the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative to strengthen the United States strategic partnerships and ability to combat transnational criminal organizations in the Pacific region, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act.

2.

Establishment of Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative

(a)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations shall establish the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative (in this section referred to as the Initiative). The Initiative shall be carried out by Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations Guam, Homeland Security Investigations Attaché Canberra, Homeland Security Investigations International Operations, and any other relevant offices of Homeland Security Investigations the Executive Associate Director determines appropriate. (b)

Activities

The Initiative shall carry out the following: (1) Strengthen the United States partnerships with Pacific Island countries by enhancing collaboration on law enforcement and security through the following: (A) Regular visits by United States law enforcement personnel. (B) Conducting joint operations throughout the region. (2)Enhance the capacity of Pacific Island countries to combat transnational criminal organizations, including through the provision of training, technical assistance, and resource sharing. (3)Support the forward deployment of United States law enforcement personnel to a regional hub in the Pacific Islands to enable rapid and frequent access to and engagement with Pacific Island countries. (4)Counter malign influence in the Pacific region by addressing transnational criminal threats and promoting shared values, such as the rule of law, transparency, and good governance. (5)Position the United States as the partner of choice for Pacific Island countries by providing sustained support, resources, and expertise to address shared challenges. (6)Promote regional stability and economic development by fostering secure and resilient Pacific Island communities through the development of infrastructure, technology, and other resources that support regional security and economic resilience. (c)

Personnel

The Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations shall appoint not fewer than four full-time equivalent personnel for the Initiative, to be overseen by an Assistant Special Agent in Charge who is stationed at Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu. Two of such personnel shall be stationed at Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu and two of such personnel shall be stationed at Homeland Security Investigations Guam. (d)

Annual report

Not later than one year after the establishment of the Initiative and annually thereafter, the Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations shall submit to Congress a report detailing the activities of the Initiative during the immediately preceding year, including the following: (1)A detailed overview of how appropriated funds were obligated and expended. (2)A description of the impact of the Initiative on countering malign influence in the Pacific region and strengthening regional security. (3)The effectiveness of the Initiative’s capacity-building efforts in Pacific Island countries. (4)Recommendations for additional resources or legislative actions to advance United States strategic objectives in the Pacific. (e)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2034 to carry out this section.