[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 23 (Thursday, February 8, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S512-S521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 1409. Mr. RISCH (for himself, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Barrasso, Mr.
Cardin, Mr. Boozman, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Reed, Ms. Murkowski,
Mr. Wyden, Mr. Hagerty, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Moran, Ms. Ernst, Ms.
Duckworth, and Mrs. Gillibrand) submitted an amendment intended to be
proposed to amendment SA 1388 submitted by Mrs. Murray (for herself and
Mr. Schumer) and intended to be proposed to the bill H.R. 815, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements relating to
the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency
treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and
for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the end, add the following:
DIVISION C--AMENDING COMPACTS OF FREE ASSOCIATION
SEC. 4001. SHORT TITLE.
This division may be cited as the ``Compact of Free
Association Amendments Act of 2024''.
SEC. 4002. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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).
(4) 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.
(5) 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''.
(6) 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.
(7) 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.
SEC. 4003. DEFINITIONS.
In this division:
(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).
[[Page S513]]
(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 agreement 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).
SEC. 4004. 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; and
(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--
[[Page S514]]
(A) the necessity of the amendment, change, or termination;
and
(B) any impacts of the amendment, change, or termination.
SEC. 4005. 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 4009(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
4008(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 4008(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.
SEC. 4006. 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 4009(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))
[[Page S515]]
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
[[Page S516]]
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.
SEC. 4007. 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.
SEC. 4008. 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 4011(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 4011(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'').
[[Page S517]]
(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 4009; 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 Act 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 Act, the Secretary of the Interior
shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of
Congress 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 Office of the Law Revision
Counsel.--
(1) Publication.--In publishing this division 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 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.
SEC. 4009. 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)(A) The Secretary may furnish hospital care and
medical services in the Freely Associated States, subject to
agreements the Secretary shall enter into with the
governments of the Freely Associated States as described in
section 4009(a)(4)(A) of the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2024, and subject to subparagraph (B), to a
veteran who is otherwise eligible to receive hospital care
and medical services.
``(B) The agreements described in subparagraph (A) shall
incorporate, to the extent practicable, the applicable laws
of the Freely Associated States and define the care and
services that can be legally provided by the Secretary in the
Freely Associated States.
``(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);
[[Page S518]]
``(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 to be legally provided by the
Secretary in the Freely Associated States under section
1724(f)(1) 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) Agreements to furnish care and services.--
(i) In general.--Before delivering hospital care or medical
services under subsection (f) of section 1724 of title 38,
United States Code, as added by paragraph (2)(B), the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, shall enter into agreements with the
governments of the Freely Associated States to--
(I) 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--
(aa) licensure, certification, registration, and tort
issues relating to health care personnel;
(bb) the scope of health services the Secretary may
furnish, as well as the means for furnishing such services;
and
(cc) 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;
(II) clarify the authority of the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to pay for tort claims as set forth under
subparagraph (C); and
(III) clarify authority and responsibility on any other
matters determined relevant by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs or the governments of the Freely Associated States.
(ii) Scope of agreements.--The agreements described in
clause (i) shall incorporate, to the extent practicable, the
applicable laws of the Freely Associated States and define
the care and services that can be legally provided by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the Freely Associated
States.
(iii) Report to congress.--
(I) In general.--Not later than 90 days after entering into
an agreement described in clause (i), the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall submit the agreement to the
appropriate committees of Congress.
(II) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this
clause, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress''
means--
(aa) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the
Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
(bb) the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the House of Representatives.
(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 Act, 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.
[[Page S519]]
``(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)) 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) in section 8101 (20 U.S.C. 7801), by amending paragraph
(36) to read as follows:
``(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 amending clause (v) to read as follows:
``(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 4005(b)(1) and the 2 United
States appointees to the Joint Economic Management and
Financial Accountability Committee described in section
4006(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
4011(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.
[[Page S520]]
(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 Act, 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 Act 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 4003 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments
Act of 2024) 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.
SEC. 4010. 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 4009.
(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 4009(j)) and sections 4005(a), 4006(a), 4007(b), and
4009 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 4011 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 division or the amendments made by this
division 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).
[[Page S521]]
(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.
SEC. 4011. 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 4009(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.
(d) Treatment of Previously Appropriated Amounts.--The
total amounts made available to the Government of the
Federated States of Micronesia and the Government of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands under subsection (a) shall
be reduced by amounts made available to the Government of the
Federated States of Micronesia and the Government of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, as applicable, under
section 2101(a) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024
and Other Extensions Act (Public Law 118-15; 137 Stat. 81)
(as amended by section 101 of division B of the Further
Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024
(Public Law 118-22; 137 Stat. 114) and section 201 of the
Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other
Extensions Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-35; 138 Stat. 7)).
SEC. 4012. BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
(a) Statutory Paygo Scorecards.--The budgetary effects of
this division shall not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard
maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-
You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(d)).
(b) Senate Paygo Scorecards.--The budgetary effects of this
division shall not be entered on any PAYGO scorecard
maintained for purposes of section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71
(115th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for
fiscal year 2018.
(c) Classification of Budgetary Effects.--Notwithstanding
Rule 3 of the Budget Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the
joint explanatory statement of the committee of conference
accompanying Conference Report 105-217 and section 250(c)(8)
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of
1985 (2 U.S.C. 900(c)(8)), the budgetary effects of this
division shall not be estimated--
(1) for purposes of section 251 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 901);
(2) for purposes of an allocation to the Committee on
Appropriations pursuant to section 302(a) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 633(a)); and
(3) for purposes of paragraph (4)(C) of section 3 of the
Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 932) as being
included in an appropriation Act.
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