Bill 118 hjres 96, also known as the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation that aims to make changes to the existing Compact of Free Association agreements between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
The Compact of Free Association agreements are international treaties that govern the relationships between the United States and these Pacific Island nations. The agreements provide for financial assistance, defense cooperation, and other forms of support in exchange for certain rights and privileges for the United States in the region.
The Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023 seeks to update and modernize these agreements to better reflect the current geopolitical and economic realities in the Pacific region. The bill includes provisions for increased financial assistance to the three nations, as well as measures to strengthen defense cooperation and promote economic development.
Overall, the goal of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023 is to ensure that the United States continues to have strong and mutually beneficial relationships with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The bill is currently being considered by Congress and has received bipartisan support.