U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-HI) has introduced legislation that would expand U.S. diplomatic and development ties in the Pacific Island region.
"Our past, present and future lie in the Pacific,” the congressman wrote on Facebook. “Today I joined my bipartisan co-chairs of our Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus in reintroducing our expanded BLUE Pacific (Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific) Act to implement a coordinated all-government approach to our country’s participation with our Pacific ‘ohana.' We especially appreciate the strong support of our bill by our partner countries throughout the Pacific."
The legislation proposes $1 billion in U.S. assistance for the Pacific Islands region over the next five fiscal years, Case said in a statement.
“Over the past decade, the Pacific Islands have boldly pursued regionalism and cooperation to address the most pressing challenges they face, including climate change, sustainable development, public health, maritime security and more, under the Blue Pacific identity and platform for collective action,” Case said. “As a Pacific nation, the United States can and must contribute to regional efforts to address these issues. In naming and reintroducing this bill, we pay tribute to the Blue Pacific vision pioneered by Pacific Islands leaders and reaffirm our commitment to the region once again.”
The legislation drew praise from David Panuelo, president of the Federated States of Micronesia.
“We appreciate the congressman’s continued dedication to these important issues and his support of the people of Micronesia,” Panuelo said. “We also appreciate Congress’ continued focus on the Pacific region, as the Pacific Island countries remain vital partners to the U.S. and our mutual national security interests.”
The Pacific Islands region extends from Hawaii and Rapa Nui (Easter Island) to Palau and New Caledonia, Case said.
“For decades, the United States has been a consistent albeit quiet partner in the region, providing over $5 billion in assistance over the past 20 years,” Case said in a statement. “As a Pacific nation with territories of our own in the region, the United States has deep historic ties, common interests and shared values with the countries and people of the Pacific Islands.”
The BLUE Pacific Act would establish “a comprehensive, long-term U.S. strategy in the Pacific Islands region,” he said.