The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs conducted an oversight hearing regarding the implementation of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024. Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) commented on the importance of these agreements, stating, “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.”
The United States renewed its Compacts of Free Association with three countries—Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau—in March 2024. These agreements offer strategic benefits for U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific area, while providing economic assistance and defense guarantees for those nations.
Implementation has faced delays attributed to actions by the Biden Administration, with some required steps still incomplete. Progress has been noted under subsequent administration efforts, but more work remains.
The House Committee on Natural Resources continues its oversight responsibilities to ensure that all aspects of the Compact amendments are executed as intended by Congress. This includes monitoring U.S. delivery on commitments as well as requiring transparency and accountability from partner nations concerning use of U.S.-provided funds. The effective application of these agreements is seen as essential for signaling U.S. reliability and partnership in promoting security and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
