[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. HIRONO (for herself, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Markey, and Mr. 
        Hagerty):
  S. 4209. A bill to require a feasibility study regarding establishing 
new diplomatic posts in the Pacific Islands; to the Committee on 
Foreign Relations.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Expanding 
America's Pacific Diplomatic Presence Act, a bipartisan piece of 
legislation that seeks to deepen our diplomatic relations with Pacific 
Island countries and territories. I am thankful to Senator Cotton, 
Senator Markey, and Senator Hagerty for joining me in introducing this 
legislation.
  The United States enjoys strong historical ties, economic 
relationships, and cultural links with many Pacific Island nations. 
During World War II, these islands became the frontlines of some of our 
hardest fought battles of the Pacific campaign. Now, Pacific Island 
nations and territories are at the frontlines of climate change. Our 
friendships with Pacific Island nations are deepened by generations of 
Pacific Islanders whose presence in the United States and contributions 
have enriched communities throughout our country. We also recognize the 
strategic importance of Pacific Island nations, as demonstrated by the 
Compacts of Free Association we have with the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. Unfortunately, 
while our diplomatic presence in the region has waned in the last 
decade, the diplomatic and economic presence of the People's Republic 
of China, PRC, has increased as it seeks to forge closer ties with 
Pacific Island nations. What happens in the Pacific Islands matters to 
the United States and we must take steps to demonstrate the strength of 
our commitment to the region.
  Diplomatic engagement in the region is critical for understanding how 
we can better support our Pacific Island partners. President Biden has 
worked to elevate the U.S.'s diplomatic engagement by being the first 
U.S. President to participate in a gathering of the Pacific Island 
Forum leaders. The President also signaled his commitment to the Freely 
Associated States by appointing Special Presidential Envoy Ambassador 
Joseph Yun to lead negotiations over the Compacts of Free Association. 
Several high-ranking administration officials, including the Secretary 
of State Antony Blinken, have visited the region to pledge U.S. support 
for efforts related to COVID-19 response, climate change adaptation, 
maritime security, infrastructure development, trade, and economic 
investment. I applaud this level of meaningful diplomatic engagement in 
the region and would like to see this sustained in the future.
  Establishing new U.S. diplomatic posts would support our efforts to 
build lasting relationships with Pacific Island nations and 
territories. The United States currently has eight Embassies among 
Pacific Island nations, with plans to reopen an Embassy in the Solomon 
Islands. These Embassies play an important role in forging relations 
with host nations and serve as important symbols of the U.S.'s long 
term commitment to the region. Opening new embassies, consulate 
generals, or other diplomatic posts would allow U.S. diplomats to have 
more regular interactions with the governments of the Pacific Islands 
and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing each 
nation. The year-round presence of more U.S. diplomats would improve 
our ability to compete with the PRC's growing presence in the region 
and would enhance our coordination with Australia, New Zealand, and 
Japan on economic development assistance and humanitarian aid. An 
expanded diplomatic presence in the region would also improve oversight 
of U.S. Government-funded programs in the region.
  The legislation I am introducing would direct the Government 
Accountability Office, GAO, to conduct a feasibility study on 
establishing new diplomatic posts in Pacific Island countries and 
territories that currently do not have a U.S. Embassy or other U.S. 
diplomatic post. This legislation recognizes and seeks to understand 
what potential benefits and challenges may exist for establishing new 
U.S. diplomatic posts in the region. I hope that the results of an 
independent study conducted by GAO will inform future decisions by 
Congress and the executive branch to establish and appropriately fund 
new diplomatic posts in the region.
  I urge my colleagues to pass the Expanding America's Pacific 
Diplomatic Presence Act to demonstrate our support for greater 
diplomatic engagement with our partners in the region and reaffirm our 
commitment to building a shared future with the people of the Pacific 
Islands.

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