[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).

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       (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.
                                 ______