Implementation of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024

Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing about the implementation of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024. Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) issued the following statement in response:

"The Compacts of Free Association are central to America's strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. When we renewed these compacts in 2024, we made a commitment to the Freely Associated States and to our position in the region. Passage was only the first step. It is the role of Congress to ensure proper implementation of provisions ranging from establishing proper interagency coordination to delivering services to veterans. Today's hearing assessed where those provisions currently stand and reinforced that the United States must keep its commitments to our allies in the region."

Background

The United States renewed its Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, collectively known as the Freely Associated States (FAS), in March 2024. The COFA agreements provide strategic advantages for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. In return, the FAS receive economic assistance and defense guarantees.

The Biden Administration significantly delayed COFA implementation, leaving several required actions unfinished. While progress is being made under the Trump administration, there is still more to do.

The House Committee on Natural Resources is fulfilling its oversight responsibilities to ensure that the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 is implemented as Congress intended. This includes the United States delivering on its commitments to the FAS, and the FAS ensuring transparency and accountability in how funds received from the U.S. government are spent. The COFA agreements put into action the United States' commitments to our allies in the Indo-Pacific. Upholding our COFA commitments signals to the FAS, and the Indo-Pacific region as a whole, that the U.S. is a reliable and strong partner in ensuring the security and prosperity of the region.