H.R. 562 — BLUE Pacific Act

This section states congressional findings on the Pacific Islands, including their roughly 12.3 million residents across 15% of Earth's surface facing development challenges such as rising sea levels, geographic isolation, and vulnerability to disasters; U.S. national security interests, longstanding ties via Compacts of Free Association, and strategic engagements outlined in National Security Strategies and Indo-Pacific reports from 2015-2022; recent initiatives such as the Pacific Pledge ($100 million in 2019 and $200 million in 2020), Partners in the Blue Pacific, and increased foreign assistance from $302.5 million in FY2022 to $466.1 million in FY2023; the Boe Declaration on climate and sovereignty; estimated regional investment needs of up to $2.8 billion annually through 2030 plus $300 million yearly for climate mitigation and adaptation; and historical Peace Corps service with plans to reopen posts.

This section establishes a comprehensive U.S. policy for the Pacific Islands that (1) promotes peace, security, and prosperity through a rules-based regional order respecting sovereignty and self-determination; (2) preserves the Pacific Ocean for maritime trade and supports sustainable development addressing public health, education, renewable energy, digital connectivity, socioeconomic challenges, and environmental resilience; (3) strengthens civil society, democratic governance, rule of law, human rights, and cultural heritage; and (4) upholds regional architecture and international law. The section further commits the United States to the vision of Pacific multilateral institutions such as the Pacific Islands Forum and Pacific Community—including the 2000 Biketawa Declaration, 2014 Framework for Pacific Regionalism, 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security and its Action Plan, and 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent—and to partnering with allies including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and India.

This section directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than January 1, 2027, and every four years thereafter, a “Strategy for Pacific Islands Partnership” that includes (1) overarching goals for the U.S.-Pacific Islands partnership; (2) measurable objectives for U.S. engagement in the Pacific Islands; (3) an assessment of threats to the region; (4) a plan to address regional security; (5) a strategy to invest in and improve critical infrastructure; and (6) a regional Development Cooperation Strategy formulated by the U.S. Agency for International Development. In developing the strategy, the President must consult, as appropriate, with (1) regional organizations such as the Pacific Islands Forum; (2) Pacific Island countries; (3) stakeholders such as civil society and faith-based organizations; (4) U.S. allies and partners; and (5) U.S. Pacific territories and states. In implementing the strategy, the President must coordinate with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Commerce, USAID Administrator, Secretary of Defense, and U.S. Trade Representative.

This section (1) directs the Secretary of State, USAID Administrator, Secretary of the Treasury, and CEO of the United States International Development Finance Corporation to endeavor to increase staff working on Pacific Islands issues and in the Pacific Islands to carry out this Act; and (2) authorizes the Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce to hire locally employed staff in the Pacific Islands to promote increased diplomatic, economic, and commercial engagement between the United States and the Pacific Islands.

This section directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the Secretary of Defense, to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment, a strategy for strategic communications in the Pacific Islands that includes (1) a review of such communications, including U.S. interagency and multilateral efforts with like-minded partners; (2) an assessment of resources used, including staff numbers and locations and appropriated funds; (3) an assessment of additional resources needed; (4) an assessment of perceptions of U.S. engagement and how to improve them; (5) an assessment of perceptions of other actors' engagement; and (6) specific recommendations for expanding and improving such communications.

This section directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, to provide support and technical assistance to Pacific Islands countries for accessing development funding from international organizations such as the United Nations and multilateral financial institutions—including navigating grant programs, obtaining certifications, and complying with reporting requirements. It further directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. representatives at the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, and Asian Development Bank to use the U.S. voice and vote to support resilient infrastructure projects and environmental resilience in the Pacific Islands.

This section directs the President, in consultation with the Secretaries of State, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Defense, the USAID Administrator, the U.S. Trade Representative, and other relevant officials, to consult and coordinate with Pacific Islands allies and partners—including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and India, and regional institutions such as the Pacific Islands Forum—to deconflict assistance programs (including those established by this Act), avoid exceeding the absorptive capacity of Pacific Islands, maximize complementary benefits, and align with regional goals such as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. It further directs the President to endeavor to establish a formal consultative process with such allies and partners for current and future assistance programming.

This section authorizes extension of privileges and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act—typically including tax exemptions, immunity from suit, and other diplomatic protections for the organization and its personnel—to the Pacific Islands Forum (i.e., a regional intergovernmental body promoting cooperation among Pacific island countries, Australia, New Zealand, and other partners), subject to the same conditions as for other public international organizations in which the United States participates pursuant to treaty or Act of Congress.

This section expresses the sense of Congress supporting the Ambassador’s Self-Help Small Grants Program, announced at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting to provide targeted funding for small-scale, community-led projects addressing local needs in the Pacific Islands (i.e., filling gaps in U.S. assistance flexibility); directs the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to continue administering the program; and authorizes appropriations of $650,000 annually for FY2026 through FY2033.

This section establishes a Senior Official at the Department of State, reporting to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to administer the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. (As background, the COFA grant the United States defense responsibilities and exclusive military access in these freely associated states in exchange for economic assistance and other benefits to their citizens.) The Senior Official's duties include (1) conducting U.S. foreign policy toward these states, (2) coordinating interdepartmental activities and assistance transfers (including through the Department of the Interior), (3) overseeing policy effectiveness and implementation, (4) supervising COFA policy and operations, (5) ensuring information flow to U.S. missions, and (6) maintaining continuity of U.S. commitments; $250,000 is authorized to support these duties.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State to assist Pacific Islands in improving public health outcomes and building public health capacity through specified activities. Activities include (1) programming such as grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance to build local capacity addressing maternal and child health, family planning and reproductive health, gender-based violence, food security and nutrition, noncommunicable diseases, communicable diseases (including neglected tropical diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and zoonotic and emerging infectious disease threats), equitable access to quality health services and medical products, and water, sanitation, and hygiene; (2) technical assistance to strengthen health system capacity and resilience in leadership and governance, sustainable financing, information systems and data, medical products and supply chains, and human resources for health (with emphasis on health worker performance, retention, productivity, numbers, skill mix, and competency through private sector engagement and digital health); (3) coordination with local and regional health goals, efforts, institutions, and frameworks; and (4) investments in critical infrastructure including hospitals, health clinics, and pharmacies. This section requires the Administrator to submit a report on implementation to the appropriate congressional committees within 180 days of enactment.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State to provide assistance to promote the dissemination of free and accurate information in the Pacific Islands, including for (1) media capacity building and education through on-site training tailored to local needs, collaboration with local government and nongovernmental entities to promote media literacy and integrate it into primary education curricula in local languages and dialects, and routinized funding for professional programs such as the Pacific Islands Journalism Reporting Tour that bring media professionals from the Pacific Islands to the United States; (2) strengthening and diversifying broadcast content tailored to local audiences, including content in the local vernacular; and (3) investing in connectivity infrastructure with an emphasis on broadcast radio and transmission.

This section directs the Secretary of State to continue implementing and developing the Indo-Pacific Media Advancement Program to promote robust, free media in the Pacific Islands and strengthen the capacity of Indo-Pacific media outlets and journalists to counter disinformation. It specifies four program goals: (1) increasing understanding of misinformation and disinformation narratives; (2) building the capacity of independent media organizations and journalists for sustainability, business operations, and quality news production; (3) expanding outlets' access to resources, content-sharing, and equipment; and (4) enhancing journalists' skills in pre-bunking, fact-checking, and debunking. The section further requires a report to appropriate congressional committees within 180 days of enactment on the Pacific Islands media landscape, U.S. efforts including the program, challenges and mitigation strategies, and additional authorities or resources needed; and authorizes appropriations of $4,000,000 for each of FY2026 through FY2033.

This section establishes a program to promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals in the Pacific Islands. The Secretary of State must develop and implement the program through (1) competitive grants to qualified organizations with Pacific Islands expertise, (2) competitive grants of up to $50,000 to qualified young Pacific Islands leaders for community improvement projects, (3) regional workshops and professional, vocational, and academic fellowships, and (4) people-to-people exchanges. Not later than 180 days after enactment, the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, must brief the appropriate congressional committees on Pacific Islands exchange programs, including an assessment of constraints on International Visitor Leadership Program participants from the region, necessary resources to address those constraints, and a strategy for connecting alumni of programs such as the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative and Young Pacific Leaders programs.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that promoting basic education in the Pacific Islands, particularly underserved communities, advances U.S. foreign policy goals and requires resources beyond the Peace Corps, and that such countries meet eligibility requirements under 22 U.S.C. 2151c(c)(4). It authorizes the President to provide assistance under that section (i.e., Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 education and human resource development authority) to promote sustainable, quality basic education in the Pacific Islands for the following purposes: (1) supporting national nutrition and health programs; (2) working with partner governments to reform policies, improve curricula, strengthen data systems, train teachers, and provide quality learning materials; (3) building new schools and renovating older facilities; (4) providing relevant education, training, and skills for employment, particularly for at-risk youth; (5) removing barriers to formal education for out-of-school individuals, assisting in school retention, and enabling catch-up schooling; and (6) promoting teaching and research exchanges between Pacific Islands and U.S. institutions of higher education, including community colleges.

This section directs the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to continue administering and expand programs fostering people-to-people ties between the United States and Pacific Islands, including (1) the Youth Ambassadors Program in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; (2) the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs; (3) the Minority Serving Institutions Partnerships Initiatives to the Pacific; (4) the U.S.-Pacific Institute for Rising Leaders Fellowship; and (5) the Global STEM Development Scholarship Program.

This section establishes the Pacific Islands Training and Resources for Advancement in Development, Education, and Skills Program (Pacific Islands TRADES Program), to be carried out by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator through scholarships, USAID training, and grants to partner organizations for workforce development in the Pacific Islands. The program aims to (1) build local workforce capacity via medium- and long-term training and technical assistance in key sectors such as construction, tourism, boat maintenance, and fisheries; (2) balance workforce retention in the Pacific Islands with any necessary off-island training to avoid exacerbating outward labor migration; (3) coordinate with allies, partners, local organizations, and governments; and (4) develop technical and management skills to prepare for potential incoming investment. This section directs the USAID Administrator to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees within one year of enactment, including a program overview, the overseeing office, partner organizations, planned training, impact assessment, and additional resources needed. This section authorizes $10 million for each of FY2026 through 2033 to carry out the program.

This section (1) expresses the sense of Congress that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) should enter into investment incentive agreements—required for DFC to pursue development projects in a jurisdiction—with the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to advance U.S. foreign policy interests, promote private sector-led growth, and counter state-directed investments by authoritarian governments; (2) directs the DFC CEO, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to prioritize entering into such agreements with Pacific Island governments where DFC is authorized to operate under the BUILD Act of 2018; and (3) authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the USAID Administrator, Treasury Secretary, and DFC CEO as appropriate, to provide technical assistance to those Pacific Islands for negotiating and executing the agreements.

This section establishes a Committee on Engagement with Civil Society Organizations in the Pacific Islands, led by the Secretary of State in coordination with the USAID Administrator and Secretary of Defense, to (1) coordinate interagency engagement with such organizations in the Pacific Islands, (2) coordinate collaboration with U.S. partners and allies on such engagement, and (3) align such engagement with Pacific Islands needs and U.S. national security priorities. Not later than 180 days after enactment, the committee must submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy that includes (1) a review of current U.S. government efforts to engage such organizations, including in foreign aid delivery; (2) a plan for government-wide engagement; (3) an assessment of the importance of such engagement and its alignment with the National Security Strategy, Indo-Pacific Strategy, and Pacific Partnership Strategy; (4) an analysis of interagency cooperation with recommendations for improvement; (5) an analysis of needed resources, statutory authorities, and appropriations; (6) an analysis of other countries' engagement with such organizations; and (7) an assessment of coordination opportunities with partners and allies.

This section directs the Secretary of State, not later than 180 days after enactment, to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the state of and plans for American Spaces (i.e., U.S. public diplomacy facilities such as American Corners and American Centers) in the Pacific Islands. The report must include (1) an overview and assessment of current and historical programming and resources; (2) a plan for future American Spaces in Pacific Island countries, including any new development or expansion and additional resources needed; and (3) an assessment of their impact on U.S. foreign policy and national security interests compared to similar initiatives by other actors.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security as appropriate, to provide assistance to build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions of Pacific Islands countries for purposes of (1) enhancing maritime security and domain awareness against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; (2) assisting law enforcement to combat trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, and transnational crime; (3) providing civilian essential services and humanitarian disaster response; (4) participating in regional security coordination; (5) expanding information sharing, operational coordination, and interoperability among maritime security forces, including via regional fusion centers; and (6) supporting legal actions, including counsel, to defend maritime, crime, disaster, and regional security interests. Such assistance is to build on existing programs and authorities, including the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) program, the authority under 10 U.S.C. §333 to build foreign security force capacity, excess defense articles under §516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. §2321j), National Guard State Partnership Program, and International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) program. National police forces and coast guards of Pacific Islands countries are eligible for assistance under the programs and authorities listed in the prior sentence, excluding IMET, 10 U.S.C. §333, the National Guard State Partnership Program, and INCLE.

This section directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with other federal agencies as appropriate, to update the following reports to include a discussion of forms of transnational crime affecting the Pacific Islands: (1) the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, (2) the Improving International Fisheries Management Report, and (3) the Trafficking in Persons Report.

This section states the sense of Congress that the Department of State's International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEAs)—which train foreign law enforcement personnel to combat transnational crime—are valuable diplomatic tools, that Pacific Islands leaders have identified such assistance as a priority need, and that the ILEA in Bangkok, Thailand, has recently expanded to include Pacific Islands participants. It further directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a report that (1) details training and activities conducted with Pacific Islands participants at the Bangkok ILEA, (2) describes planned expansions of the Bangkok ILEA's programming—including for the Pacific Islands—and any challenges thereto (e.g., funding, staffing, or physical space gaps), and (3) assesses the feasibility of continuing and expanding Pacific Islands programming through the Bangkok ILEA or establishing a new ILEA dedicated to the Pacific Islands, including required resources and authorities.

This section states the sense of Congress that the United States should expand bilateral and multilateral trade with the Pacific Islands to promote socioeconomic development and mutual prosperity and authorizes the United States Trade Representative to expand and diversify such trade and promote regional development, including through negotiating trade and investment framework agreements.

This section authorizes the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in coordination with the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Commerce, Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, and Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency, to implement programming to build trade capacity in the Pacific Islands. Authorized activities include (1) development of human and institutional capacity and infrastructure across multiple sectors of economies, including digital connectivity and cybersecurity; (2) assistance with development and implementation of regional and international trade agreements, including the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade Facilitation, and facilitation of intraregional trade flows; (3) support for women-owned enterprises and gender equality; and (4) promotion of government policies that encourage free and fair competition, sound governance, environmental protection, and business environments conducive to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

This section directs the Secretary of Commerce to expand the presence of the United States Commercial Service in the Pacific Islands by allocating additional Foreign Commercial Service Officers—including by elevating existing partner posts and establishing new Commercial Service posts and partner posts—to (1) explore opportunities for U.S. private sector investment; (2) examine host country regulations that may hinder foreign direct investment—including those related to human rights, labor rights, and environmental protection—and provide technical assistance upon request; and (3) report on commercial and investment activities of non-allied foreign actors in the Pacific Islands.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State to assist Pacific Islands to enhance preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies. Such assistance includes (1) education and training programs on natural disaster prevention and preparedness for emergency management professionals, including by leveraging U.S. nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education; (2) technical assistance, including grants and cooperative agreements to U.S. and local nongovernmental organizations, to enhance early warning systems, emergency management procedures, and post-disaster relief and recovery; (3) coordination of existing disaster mitigation and response plans in the region, including by U.S. allies and partners; (4) infrastructure development and upgrades such as evacuation centers, flood control measures, and communication networks; (5) support for local community-based disaster risk reduction programs, including evacuation plans, first aid and emergency response training, and emergency supplies; (6) technical assistance and training to enhance capacity of local emergency response agencies, including search and rescue teams, fire departments, and medical personnel; (7) critical humanitarian assistance such as food, water, shelter, and medical care after disasters; and (8) support for programs to reduce long-term disaster impacts, such as disaster risk insurance, small business recovery programs, and environmental restoration initiatives.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), as appropriate, to promote climate-resilient infrastructure in the Pacific Islands through the following actions: (1) investing in and improving critical infrastructure, including transport connectivity, hospitals, health clinics, pharmacies, information and communications technology, food security, coastal zone management, marine and water resource management, and energy security and access to electricity, with an emphasis on climate resiliency and sustainable development; (2) providing technical assistance to local government and civil society leaders for assessing infrastructure risks, implementing mitigation efforts, and evaluating projects; (3) supporting investments in ecosystem conservation and protection for sustainable use of ecosystem services that enhance environmental resilience, food security, and livelihoods; (4) investing in critical telecommunications infrastructure and cybersecurity; (5) fostering public-private partnerships to mobilize private sector investment and innovation; (6) providing technical assistance and capacity building to integrate climate resilience into local infrastructure planning; (7) developing programs to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, including clean energy infrastructure investments and assistance to utilities and regulators; (8) working with regional organizations and governments on sustainable marine resource management, including marine protected areas and ecosystem-based approaches; (9) fostering partnerships between Pacific Island governments and research institutions to build scientific capacity and support climate and environmental research; and (10) promoting innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds and climate risk insurance.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the Secretary of Commerce, to support oceans management in the Pacific Islands through 10 specified activities, including (1) programming for fisheries sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation; (2) regional sustainable fisheries policies, standards, and frameworks; (3) private sector partnerships for fair-labor standards and sustainable fishing; (4) technical assistance for environmental and ocean management; (5) data collection and management capacity building; (6) integrated ocean management and marine spatial planning; (7) research and monitoring programs; (8) efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; (9) private sector investment; and (10) public awareness and engagement.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the Secretary of Commerce, to provide support and technical assistance to Pacific Islands to address sea level rise impacts with the aims of (1) protecting and mitigating effects on coastal communities and economies; (2) enhancing resilience of critical coastal infrastructure; (3) preserving maritime boundaries and entitlements; (4) preserving statehood; (5) supporting development and implementation of effective migration policies; (6) collaborating with international organizations and Pacific Islands to deliver humanitarian assistance (e.g., food, water, shelter); and (7) building community resilience and sustainable livelihoods (e.g., alternative economic opportunities, sustainable agriculture).

This section adds to the report on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing required from the Working Group an assessment of gaps or limitations in the ability of the United States to effectively assist priority regions and priority flag states relating to IUU fishing due to resource constraints and the additional resources necessary to overcome those constraints.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the heads of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the United States Trade and Development Authority, to provide support to the Pacific Islands to (1) expand access to high-quality broadband and telecommunications infrastructure; (2) partner with regional private and public sector interests to promote and expand secure and accessible broadband connectivity; and (3) strengthen the private sector and civil society’s digital capacity and digital skillset.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the heads of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the United States Trade and Development Authority, to provide support and technical assistance to the Pacific Islands to (1) increase adoption of policies and regulatory positions that encourage open, interoperable, reliable, and secure digital infrastructure; (2) increase adoption of cybersecurity best practices, including through education and training programs for government and private sector entities; (3) assist with the development and implementation of cybersecurity strategies and policies, including incident response plans and risk management frameworks; (4) promote international cooperation and information sharing on cybersecurity threats and incidents; and (5) assist in the establishment and strengthening of national and regional Computer Emergency Response Teams to enhance cyber incident detection and response capabilities.

This section directs the President, in consultation with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Commerce, USAID Administrator, Secretary of Defense, U.S. Trade Representative, and other relevant officials, to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on progress implementing the Strategy for Pacific Islands Partnership not later than one year after submission of the initial report required by section 103 and not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year thereafter. The report must include (1) an assessment of security challenges to the Pacific Islands, covering status per regional documents such as the Boe Declaration, assistance needs including excess defense equipment, existing U.S. and allied programs, training and sustainment plans, recipients of assistance, humanitarian and disaster relief plans, shiprider agreements, National Guard State Partnership Programs, unexploded ordnance removal, regional fusion centers and intelligence sharing, success measures, and future appropriations; (2) an assessment of U.S. diplomatic presence, including staffing and programming by specified agencies and any gaps such as unfilled positions; (3) a description of coordination with regional allies and partners, including their efforts, nonallied actors' potentially harmful activities, and alignment with U.S. programs; (4) a description of trade capacity building, covering economic opportunities, investment hurdles, and U.S. steps to build capacity in sectors including digital connectivity and cybersecurity, support trade agreements such as the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, aid women-owned enterprises, and promote sound governance; and (5) a description of trade development, including an assessment of Pacific Islands countries' readiness for enhanced U.S. trade relationships such as by reducing tariff and nontariff barriers.