BLUE Pacific Act
BLUE Pacific Act
Plain Language Summary
# BLUE Pacific Act Summary **What It Does:** The BLUE Pacific Act authorizes the U.S. government to strengthen its relationships with Pacific Island nations—including Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu—through various assistance and development programs. If passed, the bill would fund or support initiatives in these countries related to public health, education, workforce development, disaster preparedness, broadband internet access, fisheries management, and security capacity-building. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Pacific Island nations and their residents, who would gain access to U.S. assistance programs. It also impacts U.S.
foreign aid budgets and government agencies tasked with international development. The bill reflects broader U.S. strategic interests in the Pacific region, an area where China has been expanding its influence. **Current Status:** HR 562 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative Ed Case (D-Hawaii) in the 119th Congress. Like many bills in committee, it may be debated, modified, or remain pending without a vote.
CRS Official Summary
Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Act or the BLUE Pacific ActThis 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 toassist 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; andsupport 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.
Latest Action
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.