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To advance a comprehensive, long-term United States strategy and policy for the Pacific Islands, and for other purposes.

2/8/2025, 9:01 AM

Summary of Bill HR 562

Bill 119 HR 562, also known as the "Pacific Islands Strategic Act," aims to establish a comprehensive, long-term strategy and policy for the United States in the Pacific Islands region. The bill recognizes the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands and seeks to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security relationships with these nations.

The legislation outlines several key objectives, including promoting economic development and trade partnerships, enhancing environmental conservation efforts, and improving disaster response and resilience in the region. It also emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and democracy in the Pacific Islands.

Additionally, the bill calls for increased engagement with Pacific Island governments and organizations, as well as enhanced coordination with international partners in the region. It also directs the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive strategy for the Pacific Islands and report to Congress on progress made in implementing the strategy. Overall, Bill 119 HR 562 seeks to advance US interests in the Pacific Islands region through a coordinated and proactive approach that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities facing these nations.

Congressional Summary of HR 562

Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Act or the BLUE Pacific Act

This bill requires or authorizes activities to strengthen U.S. relations with Pacific Islands countries, which include the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.

The bill authorizes various activities in the Pacific Islands, including to

  • assist in improving public health outcomes and build public health capacity;
  • assist in promoting the dissemination of free and accurate information;
  • promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals;
  • provide assistance to promote sustainable and quality basic education;
  • assist with workforce development;
  • build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions;
  • expand trade and promote regional development;
  • enhance preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies;
  • support sustainable fisheries policies and marine biodiversity conservation;
  • support expanded access to broadband and telecommunications infrastructure; and
  • support cybersecurity, including by assisting with development and implementation of incident response plans.

The bill also requires (1) the Department of State to help Pacific Island countries access development support from international organizations, (2) the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to prioritize efforts to enter into investment incentive agreements with Pacific Islands countries, and (3) the Department of Commerce to expand the presence of the U.S. Commercial Service and increase the number foreign commercial service officers in the Pacific Islands.

The President may extend certain diplomatic privileges, exemptions, and immunities to the Pacific Islands Forum, an international organization of 18 countries in the Pacific.

Current Status of Bill HR 562

Bill HR 562 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 20, 2025. Bill HR 562 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 20, 2025.  Bill HR 562's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of January 20, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 562

Total Number of Sponsors
6
Democrat Sponsors
6
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
46
Democrat Cosponsors
36
Republican Cosponsors
10
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 562

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 562

To advance a comprehensive, long-term United States strategy and policy for the Pacific Islands, and for other purposes.
To advance a comprehensive, long-term United States strategy and policy for the Pacific Islands, and for other purposes.

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