,i #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ggig ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,july #bg1 #bjbj,mr4 ,case 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,yoho1 ,mr4 ,bera1 ,mr4 ,sherman1 ,mr4 ,young1 ,mrs4 ,radewagen1 ,mr4 ,ted ,lieu of ,california1 ,mr4 ,san ,nicolas1 ,mr4 ,vargas1 ,mr4 ,bacon1 and ,mr4 ,sablan7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,ways and ,means1 and ,natural ,resources1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to establish a comprehensive1 long-term ,united ,states strategy and policy for the ,pacific ,islands1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,boosting ,long-term ,u4,s4 ,engagement in the ,pacific ,act or ,,blue ,pacific ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,findings4,sec4 #c4 ,statement of policy4,sec4 #d4 ,definitions4,sec4 #e4 ,authority to consolidate reports2 form of reports4,title ,i--,diplomatic presence and security cooperation,sec4 #aja4 ,diplomatic presence in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #ajb4 ,maritime security in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #ajc4 ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy for the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #ajd4 ,security assistance for the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #aje4 ,transnational crime in the ,pacific ,islands4,title ,,ii--,development initiatives,sec4 #bja4 ,,usaid presence in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #bjb4 ,trade development with the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #bjc4 ,trade capacity building initiative for the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #bjd4 ,education and training program for natural disaster preparedness and emergency management professionals in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #bje4 ,peace ,corps in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #bjf4 ,public health in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #bjg4 ,education cooperation between the ,united ,states and the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #bjh4 ,climate change in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #bji4 ,climate resilient infrastructure and energy security in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #baj4 ,coordination with other ,federal agencies and cooperation and participation of nongovernmental ,united ,states entities4,title ,,iii--,promotion of shared values,sec4 #cja4 ,freedom of the press in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #cjb4 ,u4,s4 ,agency for ,global ,media4,sec4 #cjc4 ,gender equality4,sec4 #cjd4 ,pacific ,islands ,leadership ,development ,initiative4,sec4 #cje4 ,civil society engagement and development4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,pacific ,islands-- 7,a7 are spread over a broad expanse of the ,pacific ,ocean1 including the three sub-regions of ,melanesia1 ,micronesia1 and ,polynesia2 7,b7 are home to some #b4c million residents constituting diverse and dynamic cultures and people2 and 7,c7 face shared challenges and opportunities in development1 including climate change1 geographic distances from major markets and vulnerability to external shocks such as natural disasters4 7#b7 ,the ,united ,states is a ,pacific country with longstanding ties and shared values and interests with the ,pacific ,islands1 including through the ,compacts of ,free ,association with the ,freely ,associated ,states1 the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands1 the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia1 and the ,republic of ,palau4 7#c7 ,the ,united ,states has vital national security interests in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7,a7 protecting regional peace and security1 including through a regional order that fully respects the sovereignty of all nations2 7,b7 advancing economic prosperity through trade and development free from coercion2 and 7,c7 supporting good governance1 the rule of law1 and human rights and fundamental freedoms4 7#d7 ,the ,united ,states ,national ,security ,strategy released in ,december #bjag outlines a ,united ,states foreign policy in the ,indo-,pacific region based on strengthening alliances and partnerships old and new1 promoting regional development including through fair and reciprocal trade1 and maintaining a strong defense to protect regional peace and security4 ,the ,national ,security ,strategy includes a commitment to shore up fragile partner states in the ,pacific ,islands region to reduce their vulnerability to economic fluctuations and natural disasters4 7#e7 ,at the #cjth ,forum ,partners ,dialogue of the ,pacific ,islands ,forum held in ,nauru in ,september #bjah1 then-,secretary of the ,interior ,ryan ,zinke stated3 ,the ,united ,states is deeply committed to the security and prosperity of our friends and neighbors in the ,pacific 4 4 4 ,we see all of the ,pacific ,islands as an essential part of our free and open ,indo-,pacific policy 4 4 4 ,when the ,united ,states invests in the ,pacific ,islands1 we do so as a partner committed to a shared future that advances national sovereignty1 regional cooperation1 and trust44 7#f7 ,the ,department of ,defense's ,june #bjai ,indo-,pacific ,strategy ,report identified the ,pacific ,islands as critical to ,u4,s4 strategy because of our shared values1 interests1 and commitments and committed the ,united ,states to building capacity and resilience to address maritime security2 ,illegal1 ,unreported1 and ,unregulated fishing2 drug trafficking2 and resilience to address climate change and disaster response4 7#g7 ,the ,united ,states has deepened its diplomatic engagement with the ,pacific ,islands through several recent meetings1 including-- 7,a7 a historic ,white ,house meeting between ,president ,trump and the three ,presidents of the ,freely ,associated ,states on ,may #ba1 #bjai2 7,b7 attendance at the #bjah and #bjai ,pacific ,islands ,forum ,partners ,dialogue by the ,secretary of the ,interior2 7,c7 ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs ,robert ,wilkie's attendance at the inauguration of ,president ,david ,panuelo of the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia in ,july #bjai2 and 7,d7 ,secretary of ,state ,mike ,pompeo's visit to the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia in ,august #bjai4 7#h7 ,the ,boe ,declaration on ,regional ,security1 signed by leaders of the ,pacific ,islands ,forum in #bjah1 affirmed that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods1 security1 and wellbeing of the peoples of the ,pacific and asserted the sovereign right of every ,member to conduct its national affairs free of external interference and coercion4 7#i7 ,the ,asian ,development ,bank has estimated that the ,pacific ,islands region needs upwards of #b4h billion a year in investment needs through #bjcj1 in addition to #cjj million a year for climate mitigation and adaptation over the same period4 7#aj7 ,the ,pacific ,islands swiftly enacted effective policies to prevent and contain the spread of the ,coronavirus ,disease #bjai 7commonly referred to as ,,covid-#ai7 pandemic to their populations4 ,to assist the ,pacific ,islands in their response1 the ,united ,states has provided over #cb1jjj1jjj in funding and coordinated its efforts with the ,pacific ,joint ,incident ,management ,team4 ,however1 priorities must be met to ensure continued success in preventing the spread of the ,,covid-#ai pandemic and long-term economic recovery in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7,a7 expanding testing capacity and acquisition of needed medical supplies through a reliable supply chain2 7,b7 planning for lifting of lockdowns and reopening of economic and social activities2 and 7,c7 mitigating the impacts of lost tourism revenue and other economic damages caused by the pandemic4 7#aa7 ,since #aiff1 thousands of ,peace ,corps volunteers have proudly served in the ,pacific ,islands1 building strong people-to-people relationships and demonstrating the ,united ,states commitment to peace and development in the region4 ,prior to the ,,covid-#ai pandemic1 the ,peace ,corps maintained presence in four ,pacific ,island countries4 ,peace ,corps volunteers continue to be in high demand in the ,pacific ,islands and have been requested across the region4 #c4 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to develop and commit to a comprehensive1 multifaceted1 and principled ,united ,states policy for the ,pacific ,islands that-- 7,a7 promotes peace and security for all countries through a rules-based regional order that respects the sovereignty and political independence of all nations2 7,b7 preserves the ,pacific ,ocean as an open and vibrant corridor for international maritime trade and promotes trade and sustainable development that supports inclusive economic growth and autonomy for all nations2 7,c7 improves civil society1 strengthens democratic governance and the rule of law1 and promotes human rights2 7,d7 assists the ,pacific ,islands in preventing and containing the spread of the ,,covid-#ai pandemic and in pursuing long-term economic recovery2 and 7,e7 supports existing regional architecture and international norms2 7#b7 to support the vision1 values1 and objectives of the ,pacific ,islands ,forum and other existing regional institutions and frameworks1 including-- 7,a7 the #bjad ,framework for ,pacific ,regionalism2 7,b7 the #bjah ,boe ,declaration on ,regional ,security2 and 7,c7 the ,boe ,declaration ,action ,plan2 7#c7 to extend and renew the provisions of the ,compacts of ,free ,association and related ,united ,states law that will expire in #bjbc for the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands and the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia and in #bjbd for the ,republic of ,palau unless they are extended and renewed2 and 7#d7 to work closely with ,united ,states allies and partners with existing relationships and interests in the ,pacific ,islands in advancing common goals4 #d4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs1 the ,committee on ,armed ,services1 and the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations1 the ,committee on ,armed ,services1 and the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate4 7#b7 ,pacific ,islands ,the terms ,pacific ,islands means the ,cook ,islands1 the ,republic of ,fiji1 the ,republic of ,kiribati1 the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands1 the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia1 the ,republic of ,nauru1 ,niue1 the ,republic of ,palau1 the ,independent ,state of ,papua ,new ,guinea1 the ,independent ,state of ,samoa1 the ,solomon ,islands1 the ,kingdom of ,tonga1 ,tuvalu1 and the ,republic of ,vanuatu4 #e4 ,authority to consolidate reports2 form of reports 7a7 ,authority ,to consolidate reports ,any reports required to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees under this ,act that are subject to deadlines for submission consisting of the same units of time may be consolidated into a single report that is submitted to appropriate congressional committees pursuant to such deadlines and that contains all information required under such reports4 7b7 ,form of reports ,each report required by this ,act shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex4 ,i ,diplomatic presence and security cooperation #aja4 ,diplomatic presence in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretary of ,state should implement a strategy to expand the diplomatic presence of the ,united ,states in the ,pacific ,islands1 including by increasing the number of missions and diplomats in the region and by expanding and elevating ,united ,states participation in regional forums4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the diplomatic presence of the ,united ,states in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7#a7 a description of gaps in diplomatic presence2 7#b7 a description of limitations of such gaps on ,united ,states strategic objectives2 7#c7 a description of the extent of ,united ,states membership and participation in regional forums and organizations2 and 7#d7 a strategy to expand and elevate diplomatic presence to fill such gaps1 including by establishing new missions1 expanding participation in regional forums1 and elevating ,united ,states representation in regional forums4 #ajb4 ,maritime security in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,united ,states should seek to participate in and support efforts to coordinate a regional response toward maritime security1 including participation by the ,united ,states and the ,pacific ,islands in the ,pacific ,fusion ,centre and the ,information ,fusion ,centre4 7b7 ,shiprider agreements ,the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in coordination with other ,federal agencies as appropriate1 shall develop and implement a plan to expand cross-border maritime law enforcement operations 7commonly known as shiprider agreements7 with the ,pacific ,islands4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with other ,federal agencies as appropriate1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on ,united ,states efforts to promote maritime security in the ,pacific ,islands4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required in paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a description of issues and challenges affecting maritime security for the ,pacific ,islands2 7,b7 a description of existing regional efforts to promote maritime security1 including shiprider agreements and other operations between the ,united ,states and the ,pacific ,islands2 7,c7 an assessment of areas in which the ,united ,states can bolster and contribute to existing regional efforts1 including to expand shiprider agreements2 7,d7 a multi-year strategy for the implementation of the ,indo-,pacific ,maritime ,security ,initiative in the ,pacific ,islands1 including core objectives2 and 7,e7 measures of success for the strategy4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #ej1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #ajc4 ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy for the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall develop and implement a plan to expand coverage of the ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academies 7,,ilea7 program for the ,pacific ,islands1 including by-- 7#a7 expanding coverage of the regional program located in ,bangkok1 ,thailand to the ,pacific ,islands2 or 7#b7 establishing a new regional program for the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,matters ,to be included ,the plan required by subsection 7a7 shall include consultation and coordination with existing regional law enforcement entities1 including the ,pacific ,islands ,chiefs of ,police and civil society1 including those focused on human rights and specializing in victim-centered approaches1 and take into consideration costs of implementation1 effectiveness1 and capacity of the ,pacific ,islands to participate in the ,,ilea program4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the plan developed under this section4 #ajd4 ,security assistance for the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall develop and implement a strategy to provide assistance1 including through the programs and authorities described in paragraph 7#b71 to the ,pacific ,islands for purposes of-- 7,a7 enhancing law enforcement1 counter-narcotics operations1 and maritime enforcement capabilities2 and 7,b7 building the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions to provide essential services to civilian populations and to respond to humanitarian challenges4 7#b7 ,programs and authorities described ,the programs and authorities described in this paragraph are the following3 7,a7 ,the ,international ,military ,education and ,training program4 7,b7 ,the ,foreign ,military ,financing program4 7,c7 ,the ,overseas ,humanitarian ,disaster and ,civic ,aid program4 7,d7 ,the authority to build the capacity of foreign security forces under section #ccc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,e7 ,the authority to provide excess defense articles under section #eaf of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bcba;j74 7#c7 ,national police forces and coast guards ,the national police forces and coast guards of the ,pacific ,islands shall be eligible to receive assistance under the programs and authorities described in paragraph 7#b7 for purposes of the strategy required by this subsection4 7b7 ,matters ,to be included ,the strategy required by subsection 7a7 shall seek to preserve peace and regional stability in the ,pacific ,islands and take into consideration and seek to build upon but not duplicate existing assistance provided by ,united ,states allies and partners4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the strategy developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall identify-- 7,a7 security challenges to the ,pacific ,islands2 7,b7 demonstrated needs of the ,pacific ,islands for assistance1 including excess defense articles1 to fulfill such needs2 7,c7 existing assistance programs and efforts in the ,pacific ,islands1 including programs and efforts provided by ,united ,states allies and partners2 7,d7 programs for training and sustainment with respect to such excess defense articles2 7,e7 national police forces and coast guards of the ,pacific ,islands receiving assistance under the strategy2 7,f7 a plan to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief1 if necessary1 through the ,overseas ,humanitarian ,disaster and ,civic ,aid program2 and 7,g7 measures of success for the strategy4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #ge1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #aje4 ,transnational crime in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with other ,federal agencies as appropriate1 shall develop and implement an interagency strategy to combat counterfeiting1 cybercrime1 crimes associated with illegal1 unreported1 and unregulated 7,,iuu7 fishing1 drug trafficking1 sex trafficking1 and other forms of transnational crime affecting the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,conduct of strategy ,the strategy required under this section shall be coordinated with existing regional efforts and regional institutions and frameworks1 including the ,pacific ,islands ,chiefs of ,police and the ,pacific ,transnational ,crime ,network4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the strategy developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include an identification of-- 7,a7 threats and challenges of transnational crime in the ,pacific ,islands2 7,b7 existing law enforcement programs and efforts in the ,pacific ,islands1 including programs and efforts provided by ,united ,states allies and partners2 and 7,c7 objectives1 means of implementation1 and measures of success for the strategy4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #ej1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba though #bjbe to carry out this section4 ,,ii ,development initiatives #bja4 ,,usaid presence in the ,pacific ,islands ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on-- 7#a7 the ,agency's presence1 staffing1 programming1 and resourcing of operations in the ,pacific ,islands2 7#b7 gaps in such presence1 including unfilled full-time equivalent positions1 limitations and challenges due to staffing and support of ,pacific ,islands operations from the ,,usaid office in ,manila1 and gaps in programming and resourcing2 7#c7 limitations imposed by such gaps on ,united ,states strategic objectives2 and 7#d7 a strategy to expand such presence1 including by establishing new missions or offices4 #bjb4 ,trade development with the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,united ,states should expand bilateral and multilateral trade with the ,pacific ,islands to promote development and mutual prosperity1 particularly through the negotiation of trade and investment framework agreements with the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,strategy ,the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative shall develop and implement a strategy to expand and diversify trade and promote regional development with the ,pacific ,islands1 including through negotiating trade and investment framework agreements and free trade agreements1 extending additional trade preferences1 and other means4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,trade ,representative shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the strategy developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 include a plan to negotiate and enter into trade and investment framework agreements and free trade agreements with the ,pacific ,islands1 as appropriate2 and 7,b7 identify opportunities to work with existing regional frameworks to increase trade and economic integration with the ,pacific ,islands4 #bjc4 ,trade capacity building initiative for the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall develop and implement a trade capacity building initiative for the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,conduct of initiative ,the initiative developed under this section shall be coordinated with existing regional efforts and regional institutions and frameworks4 7c7 ,elements ,the initiative developed under this section shall-- 7#a7 include an initial assessment of-- 7,a7 economic opportunities for which ,united ,states businesses1 or those of other like-minded partners1 would be competitive2 and 7,b7 legal1 economic1 governance1 infrastructural1 or other hurdles limiting ,united ,states investment in the ,pacific ,islands2 7#b7 develop human and institutional capacity and infrastructure across multiple sectors of economies1 including digital connectivity and cybersecurity2 7#c7 assist with development and implementation of regional and international trade agreements1 including the ,world ,trade ,organization's ,agreement on ,trade ,facilitation and facilitation of intra-regional trade flows2 7#d7 support women-owned enterprises and gender equality2 and 7#e7 promote government policies that encourage free and fair competition1 sound governance1 and business environments conducive to economic growth4 7d7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the initiative developed under this section4 7#b7 ,update ,the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an updated report under paragraph 7#a7 not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #djj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #bjd4 ,education and training program for natural disaster preparedness and emergency management professionals in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall develop and implement an education and training program on natural disaster prevention and preparedness for emergency management professionals in the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,conduct of program ,the program developed under this section shall seek to-- 7#a7 leverage nongovernmental expertise in the ,united ,states1 including from institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations2 7#b7 integrate with and assist in the coordination of existing disaster mitigation and response plans in the region2 and 7#c7 cooperate with existing efforts by ,united ,states allies and partners in the region4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the program developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include an identification of-- 7,a7 disaster risks in the ,pacific ,islands2 7,b7 existing efforts by ,united ,states allies and partners to provide assistance and training for natural disaster preparedness and emergency management2 and 7,c7 objectives1 means of implementation1 and measures of success for the program4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #aj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #bje4 ,peace ,corps in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the presence of the ,peace ,corps in the ,pacific ,islands should be expanded and that the ,peace ,corps should reopen its programs in as many of the ,pacific ,islands as possible1 including where it has previously operated but has suspended operations2 and 7#b7 consulting like-minded regional allies and partners1 such as ,australia and ,new ,zealand1 is crucial for identifying and overcoming challenges for increased ,peace ,corps presence in the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,peace ,corps shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on-- 7#a7 the presence of the ,peace ,corps in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7#b7 a strategy to expand such presence1 as appropriate1 including-- 7,a7 outcomes of consultations with regional allies and partners on areas in which cooperation can reduce factors limiting ,peace ,corps expansion2 and 7,b7 timelines for expanding and reopening programs in the ,pacific ,islands4 #bjf4 ,public health in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall develop and implement a strategy to improve public health in the ,pacific ,islands1 including in response to the ,,covid-#ai pandemic4 7b7 ,conduct of strategy ,the strategy developed under this section shall be coordinated with existing regional efforts and regional institutions and frameworks4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the strategy developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include an identification of-- 7,a7 health care challenges1 including health systems strengthening1 immunization1 non-communicable diseases1 and gender-based violence1 in the ,pacific ,islands2 7,b7 public health challenges and needs related to the ,,covid-#ai pandemic in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7,c7 objectives1 means of implementation1 and measures of success for the strategy4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #ej1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #bjg4 ,education cooperation between the ,united ,states and the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall develop and implement a strategy to improve educational outcomes in the ,pacific ,islands and increase educational exchange between the ,united ,states and the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,conduct of strategy ,the strategy developed under this section shall be coordinated with education initiatives in the ,pacific ,islands1 including the ,pacific ,regional ,education ,framework4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the strategy developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include an identification of-- 7,a7 education challenges in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7,b7 objectives1 means of implementation1 and measures of success for the strategy4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #be1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #bjh4 ,climate change in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall develop and implement a strategy to provide assistance to the ,pacific ,islands to address climate change1 with emphasis on coastal zone management1 marine waste management1 food security1 and water resource management4 7b7 ,conduct of strategy ,the strategy developed under this section shall be coordinated with regional organizations and frameworks for climate adaptation in the ,pacific ,islands4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the strategy developed under this section4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #ajj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #bji4 ,climate resilient infrastructure and energy security in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 shall develop and implement a strategy to invest in and improve critical infrastructure1 including transport connectivity1 information and communications technology1 and energy security and access to electricity in the ,pacific ,islands1 with an emphasis on climate resilient infrastructure and clean energy programs4 7b7 ,conduct of strategy ,the strategy developed under this section shall be coordinated with regional organizations and frameworks for development in the ,pacific ,islands4 7c7 ,international financial institutions ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall direct the representatives of the ,united ,states to the ,world ,bank ,group1 the ,international ,monetary ,fund1 and the ,asian ,development ,bank to use the voice and vote of the ,united ,states to support climate resilient infrastructure projects in the ,pacific ,islands4 7d7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the strategy developed under this section4 7#b7 ,update ,the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an updated report under paragraph 7#a7 not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #bjj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #baj4 ,coordination with other ,federal agencies and cooperation and participation of nongovernmental ,united ,states entities ,in carrying out sections #bjc1 #bjd1 #bjf1 #bjg1 #bjh1 and #bji1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall-- 7#a7 coordinate with existing programs and efforts of relevant agencies of the ,united ,states ,government1 especially with regards to the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands1 the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia1 and the ,republic of ,palau2 and 7#b7 seek the cooperation and participation of ,united ,states private sector1 ,united ,states nongovernmental organizations1 and ,united ,states institutions of higher education4 ,,iii ,promotion of shared values #cja4 ,freedom of the press in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 shall develop and implement a strategy for routine professional exchanges and other activities to strengthen the press and promote press freedom and investigative journalism capacity with journalists and media professionals in the ,pacific ,islands and to counter misinformation and disinformation4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the strategy developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include an identification of-- 7,a7 challenges to freedom of expression1 including for members of the press1 in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7,b7 objectives1 means of implementation1 and measures of success for the strategy4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #aj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #cjb4 ,u4,s4 ,agency for ,global ,media 7a7 ,in general ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,u4,s4 ,agency for ,global ,media shall develop and implement a plan to provide expanded media content to the ,pacific ,islands and partner with journalists in the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,chief ,executive ,officer shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the plan developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 an assessment of facilities and costs to expand coverage to the ,pacific ,islands1 including options to utilize ,voice of ,america affiliates2 7,b7 an identification of objectives1 means of implementation1 and measures of success for the plan2 and 7,c7 an assessment on the scope and impact of media training efforts and people-to-people engagements organized by other countries for the ,pacific ,islands4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #e1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #cjc4 ,gender equality 7a7 ,statement of policy ,congress affirms the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment to ,united ,states policy in the ,pacific ,islands and recognizes the work of the existing regional frameworks and platforms on gender equality4 7b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall-- 7#a7 develop and implement an initiative to encourage and support efforts by the ,pacific ,islands to reduce and combat gender-based violence1 in coordination with existing efforts by ,united ,states allies and partners as well as regional organizations2 and 7#b7 promote gender equality in political1 economic1 social1 and cultural development programs in the ,pacific ,islands4 #cjd4 ,pacific ,islands ,leadership ,development ,initiative 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall develop and implement a program to promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals in the ,pacific ,islands with a demonstrated passion to contribute to the continued development of the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,conduct of program ,the program developed under this section may be carried out through-- 7#a7 grants provided on a competitive basis to qualified organizations with demonstrated expertise relating to the ,pacific ,islands2 7#b7 grants in amounts not to exceed #ej1jjj provided on a competitive basis to qualified young leaders from the ,pacific ,islands for the purpose of carrying out projects dedicated to the improvement of their communities in the ,pacific ,islands2 7#c7 regional workshops and professional and academic fellowships2 and 7#d7 people-to-people exchanges4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the program developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include an identification of objectives1 means of implementation1 and measures of success for the program4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #aj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4 #cje4 ,civil society engagement and development 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall develop and implement a program to promote the development of civil society in the ,pacific ,islands for the purpose of-- 7#a7 strengthening independent media and press freedom2 7#b7 empowering citizens to freely organize and communicate1 including through existing and new civic spaces2 7#c7 strengthening rule of law and increasing government accountability2 and 7#d7 promoting democratic political culture4 7b7 ,conduct of program 7#a7 ,in general ,the program developed under this section shall be carried out in consultation with local civil society groups in the ,pacific ,islands1 including civil society groups that represent or work with traditionally marginalized groups4 7#b7 ,elements ,the program developed under this section may be carried out through-- 7,a7 technical assistance and support1 including through training and professional and academic fellowships2 7,b7 grants in amounts not to exceed #ej1jjj provided on a competitive basis to qualified civil society organizations for the purpose of carrying out projects and programs dedicated to the objectives identified in subsection 7a72 and 7,c7 grants provided on a competitive basis to qualified ,united ,states organizations with demonstrated expertise in civil society development and the ,pacific ,islands4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the program developed under this section4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 an assessment of the strength and viability of civil society sectors of the ,pacific ,islands1 including legal1 organizational capacity1 financial1 advocacy1 services1 infrastructure1 and public image sectors2 and 7,b7 an identification of objectives and measures of success for the program4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #ae1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe to carry out this section4