Speeches & Testimony

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my Engage the Pacific Act, co-introduced with 11 of my like-minded colleagues who are focused on our country's engagement through the Indo-Pacific.

Successive administrations and Congresses have recognized that no region is more consequential to the future of our country than the Indo-Pacific, to include the Pacific Islands. It is crucial that we continue to broaden and deepen U.S. engagement in the Pacific Islands in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific, particularly in the context of the major challenges the Pacific Islands face, such as natural disasters, economic obstacles, maintenance of civil society and threats to democracy and sovereignty from malign actors. This is not just a matter of diplomacy; it is a matter of shared responsibility and mutual benefit.

To help address these challenges and ensure our nation continues to play a critical role in strengthening U.S. public engagement in the Pacific Islands, we have introduced the Engage the Pacific Act. This legislation is grounded in specific requests from Pacific Islands leaders, as well as priorities identified by our own U.S. government officials. This bill clearly reflects the alignment of Pacific Islands priorities with U.S. interests in the region, particularly when it comes to fostering civil society, economic resilience and democratic governance.

First, this bill requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator and the Secretary of Defense, to establish the Committee on Engagement with Civil Society Organizations in the Pacific Islands. This Committee will be tasked with coordinating interagency engagement with civil society organizations in the Pacific Islands, to include media organizations, environmental organizations and faith-based organizations.

These non-governmental community organizations are pillars of Pacific Islands society; they often fill critical gaps in delivery of foreign assistance and reach important sectors of the population. The Committee will also be required to submit a strategy on enhanced engagement with civil society organizations in the Pacific Islands.

Second, the bill requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Administrator of USAID and the Secretary of Defense, to refine our overall communications strategy in the Pacific Islands. The United States is and for centuries has been a Pacific nation, deeply engaged as a partner in our mutual present and future. This strategy is crucial to fully and adequately communicating the breadth and depth of American efforts throughout the Pacific.

Third, the bill codifies the Indo-Pacific Media Advancement Program (IPMAP). IPMAP promotes free media in the Indo-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, through training in countering misinformation and business sustainability, small grants for equipment and content sharing agreements. IPMAP is currently running under a two-year, $2 million Countering PRC Influence Grant from the Department of State. With those limited resources, IPMAP has already been able to work with 30 media outlets and has been incredibly well-received. Officially establishing this program under the Department of State and authorizing appropriations for it will ensure that IPMAP's important work can continue for years to come.

Fourth, this bill establishes the Pacific Islands Training and Resources for Advancement in Development, Education and Skills (TRADES) Program under USAID. Many Pacific Islands leaders have commended American efforts in the realm of professional development through higher education scholarship programs, and they have advocated for efforts to expand such programs to technical and vocational education and training. This provision of the bill seeks to rectify that by authorizing USAID to assist with workforce development in the region through scholarships, training and grants in sectors of critical importance to the Pacific Islands, such as construction, tourism, boat maintenance and fisheries. The Pacific Islands TRADES Program will support the region's economic resilience and capacity to maximize the benefits of national investment and business opportunities.

Finally, this bill supports and requires a report on American Spaces in the region. American Spaces are public diplomacy facilities operated or supported by the Department of State that promote effective engagement with foreign audiences toward the full understanding of the United States. These facilities are a crucial component of American outreach in the region, allowing residents to learn about opportunities to study in the United States, participate in mentorship programs and more. The report requires a description of any additional resources needed for the expansion of this program.

These provisions represent and enhance the sustained commitment of the United States to the Pacific Islands. This bill serves as a testament to the United States' enduring presence in the region and demonstrates that we are willing and able to respond to the region's specific needs in a way that is fully consistent with American national interests.

Together, let us Engage the Pacific--for today, for tomorrow and for generations to come.