[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 195 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10068-H10070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REAFFIRMING THE STRONG COMMITMENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE COUNTRIES 
             AND TERRITORIES OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION

  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1157) reaffirming the strong 
commitment of the United States to the countries and territories of the 
Pacific Islands region.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows

                              H. Res. 1157

       Whereas the Pacific Islands countries and territories are 
     home to more than 10 million culturally diverse people and 
     are rooted in a unique culture and history spanning thousands 
     of years;
       Whereas the South Pacific region, of which the Pacific 
     Islands countries and territories are an integral part, is 
     endowed with a resource-rich ocean stretching over 20 million 
     square miles;
       Whereas the United States partnership with the countries of 
     the Pacific Islands region dates back to the battles of World 
     War II on the shores of Tarawa, Pelelieu, and Guadalcanal, 
     where Pacific Islanders and Americans alike sacrificed for 
     our collective security;
       Whereas the United States territories of American Samoa, 
     Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
     are located in the South Pacific region and some of these 
     relationships date back to the Spanish-American War;
       Whereas the United States is committed to the future 
     security and prosperity of the Pacific Islands countries and 
     territories and is responsible for security and defense 
     matters in and relating to Palau, the Federated States of 
     Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands under 
     their respective Compacts of Free Association;
       Whereas the Compacts of Free Association arrangements with 
     the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the 
     Marshall Islands were renewed in 2003 for a period of 20 
     years and negotiations regarding the subsequent renewal of 
     these agreements should be concluded in advance of their 
     expiration in 2023;
       Whereas the South Pacific region is critical to United 
     States national security and defense, and there are several 
     United States military bases and testing sites in the region, 
     including the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test 
     Site on the Marshall Islands;
       Whereas the United States cooperates closely with Pacific 
     Islands countries and territories as a partner committed to a 
     common future that advances national security, regional 
     cooperation, and trust and collaborating on a wide range of 
     important issues such as addressing environmental and public 
     health threats, distributing humanitarian assistance and 
     disaster relief, and promoting peace and prosperity in the 
     region;
       Whereas in the Boe Declaration of 2018, leaders of Pacific 
     Islands countries and territories reaffirmed that the threat 
     of climate change imperils the livelihoods, security, and 
     well-being of the peoples of such countries and territories;
       Whereas a major priority of Pacific Islands countries and 
     territories is addressing environmental and sustainability 
     challenges, including responding to national disasters, and 
     implementing environmental programs to address mitigating 
     their unique vulnerabilities to the effects of rising sea 
     levels, combatting ocean acidification, and protecting 
     natural resources, and extreme weather events remains a 
     priority for and point of collaboration between the United 
     States and Pacific Islands countries;
       Whereas the United States works closely with Australia and 
     New Zealand and other like-minded partners in the South 
     Pacific region, and there is opportunity for enhancing such 
     cooperation as all three countries look for opportunities to 
     increase their focus on this important region;
       Whereas China's increased influence in the South Pacific 
     region and the possibility of a future Chinese military 
     presence in this region could expand its monitoring and 
     surveillance capabilities, threatening the United States 
     military presence in the region;
       Whereas media reports revealed that Chinese scientists 
     placed acoustic sensors in the Mariana Trench near Guam and 
     near the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia, 
     which could be used to monitor United States submarine 
     activity in the region;
       Whereas planned casino resort developments by Chinese 
     investors on the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
     could complicate Department of Defense plans on the islands 
     for extensive training and exercises resulting from the 
     relocation of Marines from Okinawa, Japan;
       Whereas a bilateral agreement between the United States and 
     Japan will relocate approximately 4,100 United States Marines 
     from Okinawa, Japan to Guam, significantly bolstering United 
     States national security in the region;
       Whereas official Chinese Government statements and policy 
     documents indicate that the Pacific Islands are a component 
     of the Belt and Road Initiative, which according to the 
     Department of Defense aims ``to develop strong economic ties 
     with other countries, shape their interests to align with 
     China's, and deter confrontation or criticism of China's 
     approach to sensitive issues'';
       Whereas the Lowy Institute found that China has pledged 
     $5.88 billion worth of aid to the region since 2011, yet 
     despite these large commitments, China has only spent $1.26 
     billion so far and concerns remain over the types of loans 
     extended and whether the commitments will be kept;
       Whereas recent debt sustainability analysis by the World 
     Bank shows that nine Pacific Islands countries and 
     territories are currently classified as either at high or 
     moderate risk of debt distress;
       Whereas China continues to shrink the number of Taiwan's 
     international partners around the globe by inducing countries 
     to switch recognition through financial incentives and six of 
     Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific Islands 
     region advocate on Taiwan's behalf at the United Nations and 
     other international fora;
       Whereas the United States plays an active role in regional 
     fisheries management through its involvement in the Western 
     and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and in maintaining 
     programs to help Pacific Island countries combat illegal 
     fishing, including bilateral ``shiprider'' agreements that 
     allow law enforcement officers of host partner countries 
     onboard United States Coast Guard ships and aircraft to 
     patrol national exclusive economic zones;
       Whereas the United States, through more than 17 departments 
     and agencies, committed more than $350 million in fiscal year 
     2017 to engagement with Pacific Islands countries;
       Whereas the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2018 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 
     authorized and appropriated $123.8 million in funding through 
     2024 for the 2010 Palau Compact Review Agreement;
       Whereas every two years, the United States Navy's Pacific 
     Fleet hosts the world's largest international maritime 
     exercise, known as the ``Rim of the Pacific'', for which this 
     past year Tongan Marines traveled to Hawaii with Australia's 
     Navy to participate and Fiji has been invited to join the 
     exercise in 2020; and
       Whereas in September 2018 at the 30th Pacific Islands Forum 
     in Nauru, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke stated the 
     United States ``see[s] all of the Pacific Islands as an 
     essential part of our free and open Indo-Pacific policy'': 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) reaffirms its strong commitment to United States 
     engagement with all countries and territories of the South 
     Pacific region, including the Cook Islands, the Federated 
     States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, 
     Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, the Republic of Palau, Papua New 
     Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, the 
     Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu;
       (2) reaffirms its strong support to the United States 
     Pacific Island territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the 
     Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, home to nearly 
     300,000 United States citizens;
       (3) supports continued efforts to deepen cooperation with 
     countries and territories of the Pacific Islands in areas of 
     mutual interest, such as addressing the negative impacts of 
     climate change, promoting sustainable economic development, 
     and supporting regional organizations and stability;
       (4) calls for the United States to increase the frequency 
     of high-level bilateral and multilateral visits with leaders 
     of Pacific Islands;
       (5) promotes and supports efforts by Australia, New 
     Zealand, France, and other like-minded partners to strengthen 
     Pacific Islands countries' sovereignty and development 
     through economic and security assistance; and
       (6) encourages continued support for the Compacts of Free 
     Association which enhance the strategic posture of the United 
     States in the Western Pacific, reinforce United States 
     regional commitment, preempt potential adversaries from 
     establishing positional advantage, and further self-
     governance, economic development, and self-sufficiency of the 
     Freely Associated States.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.

[[Page H10069]]

  



                             General Leave

  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their 
remarks and to include any extraneous material in the record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Representative Bordallo for 
introducing this measure on an important but often overlooked part of 
the world, and that is the South Pacific.
  Mr. Speaker, the Pacific Islands are an essential part of the South 
Pacific region. Today we express our commitment to these countries' and 
territories' security and to their prosperity.
  Our country has a long history with the Pacific Islands and 
territories. Today we have 300,000 United States citizens that reside 
in the territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands and in American Samoa.
  The U.S. is engaged in this important region through a variety of 
programs which promote national security and also regional cooperation. 
They address conservation and public health threats. They distribute 
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and they promote peace and 
prosperity.
  The United States has supported these endeavors under the Compacts of 
Free Association with Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and 
the Republic of the Marshall Islands. These important arrangements have 
allowed the U.S. to project a presence in the region for 30 years, but 
these compacts expire in 2023.
  The United States must continue to reassure the Pacific Island 
countries of our enduring commitment to having a continuing presence in 
the region and negotiate compact renewals before they expire.
  Our relationship with this region is unfolding against the backdrop 
of a shifting strategic environment where Beijing and others seek to 
wield a greater influence in the South Pacific.
  For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this 
measure which reaffirms the importance of continuing to engage and 
cooperate with the Pacific Island countries and territories.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure.
  First of all, I want to acknowledge the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. 
Bordallo), my colleague, for her longstanding advocacy of American 
engagement in the Pacific region. I thank her for introducing this 
resolution.
  This measure supports cooperation with the Pacific Islands in the 
areas where we both have critical interests, including support for 
regional organizations and promotion of sustainable economic 
development.
  The resolution rightly focuses on a critical threat facing the 
Pacific Islands and the United States, which is climate change.
  In September of this year, Pacific Island leaders reaffirmed in a 
joint declaration that ``climate change remains the single greatest 
threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of the peoples of 
the Pacific.''
  I wish that the President and the administration would act on that 
threat, but, instead, the United States refuses to acknowledge climate 
change at recent international conferences. The refusal to acknowledge 
established scientific fact is really wrong and dangerous.
  Our country has a critical role to play in the effort to address 
climate change, and when we abdicate that responsibility, we endanger 
future generations and the regions most at risk, like the Pacific 
Islands.
  So this is a good resolution, affirming America's commitment to 
advance self-government, economic development, and self-sufficiency for 
all the people of this strategically important region.
  It is important to note that this resolution expresses our continued 
support for our compact agreements with the Freely Associated States. 
The Pacific Islands remain a region critical to our interests and the 
interests of our partners, including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. 
It makes sense that we would continue to support investments that 
enhance our partnership with the Pacific Islands.
  I support this measure, and I urge all Members to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Sherman).
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, as ranking member of the Asia and the 
Pacific Subcommittee, I rise to support H. Res. 1157, which reaffirms 
the strong commitment of the United States to the countries and 
territories of the Pacific Islands region. I want to applaud 
Representative Bordallo for introducing this, and I am proud to join 
with others as a cosponsor.
  First, this resolution sends an important message to the 300,000 
Americans who call the region home. Our fellow Americans in Guam, the 
Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, for them, this measure 
recognizes that they are a critical part of our Nation's fabric.
  Indeed, when North Korea threatened to launch missiles at a U.S. 
territory, it said that it would hit Guam. We cannot forget about these 
Pacific territories and, in Congress, we have an obligation to make 
sure that their voices are heard in these Halls.
  This resolution also specifically encourages continued support for 
the Compacts of Free Association which we currently have with the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 
and Palau. Currently, the United States provides, under these compacts, 
essential governmental functions, including defense.
  While our compact with Palau was recently renewed, the Compacts of 
Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia and the 
Marshall Islands will expire in 2023. We in Congress should not wait. 
We should ensure that the compacts are expeditiously renewed. These 
arrangements not only help encourage the development of Palau, 
Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands, but also serve our core national 
security interests.
  I know firsthand that we cannot take our Pacific partnerships for 
granted--not just in the compact states, but across the region, because 
other states around the region are facing entreaties from the Chinese 
Government.
  The Chinese Government states that the Pacific Islands are a core 
component of their One Belt, One Road initiative, which seeks to 
ensnare small nations into Beijing's debt traps.
  We know that China is stepping up its military involvement in the 
region, recently placing acoustic sensors in the Mariana Trench to 
track American submarine movements.
  As the resolution recognizes, the solution to this challenge is for 
the U.S. to strengthen its engagement. We must ``increase the frequency 
of high-level bilateral and multilateral visits with leaders of Pacific 
Islands'' and find issues to work on in common.
  For example, many of the Pacific Island nations face an existential 
threat from rising sea levels. Accordingly, this resolution calls for 
us to work with these countries to address the negative impacts of 
climate change. Many of the territories or islands of these countries 
actually face submersion as a result of rising sea levels. In doing so, 
we would work with our partners around the world.
  While China employs bully tactics to unilaterally assert itself in 
the Pacific, the United States sets an example by working closely with 
the island nations and with Australia and New Zealand to promote 
sustainable development across the region.
  I want to thank Representative Bordallo again for her leadership on 
this issue. This resolution is an overdue affirmation of our commitment 
to the prosperity of the American territories in the Pacific and to the 
strengthening of the relationships between the United States and the 
nations of the region.
  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

[[Page H10070]]

  I want to again thank Congresswoman Bordallo for introducing this 
resolution.
  American engagement in the Pacific Islands region is critical to our 
strategic posture in the Western Pacific. With its passage, we reaffirm 
our commitment to the islands. I support this resolution, and I 
encourage my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, with the shifting strategic environment of the South 
Pacific, it is really more important than ever that we engage Pacific 
Island nations and the Pacific Islands Forum to solve regional problems 
and to promote prosperity.
  We must maintain support for the Compacts of Free Association which 
enhance the strategic posture of the U.S. and the Western Pacific, 
which also reinforce our regional commitment and preempt potential 
adversaries from establishing positional advantage there.
  This resolution signals our resolve to maintain and deepen our 
collaboration with our friends and allies in the Pacific Islands and 
territories. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to join me in support of 
this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1157.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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