,i #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #efb ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,january #bj1 #bjbe,mr4 ,case 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,moylan1 ,mr4 ,larsen of ,washington1 ,ms4 ,titus1 ,ms4 ,tokuda1 ,mr4 ,gottheimer1 ,mr4 ,krishnamoorthi1 and ,mr4 ,sherman7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,natural ,resources1 and ,ways and ,means1 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 advance 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 the ,,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 ,definitions4,sec4 #c4 ,authority to consolidate reports2 form of reports4,title ,i--,political ,leadership and ,regionalism,sec4 #aja4 ,findings4,sec4 #ajb4 ,statement of policy4,sec4 #ajc4 ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership4,sec4 #ajd4 ,staffing4,sec4 #aje4 ,strategic communications in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #ajf4 ,assistance with international organizations4,sec4 #ajg4 ,allies and partners in the ,pacific ,islands region4,sec4 #ajh4 ,extension of diplomatic immunities to the ,pacific ,islands ,forum4,sec4 #aji4 ,ambassador's ,self-,help ,small ,grants ,program4,sec4 #aaj4 ,establishing a senior official for the ,compacts of ,free ,association at the ,department of ,state4,title ,,ii--,people-,centered ,development,sec4 #bja4 ,assistance to improve public health outcomes and build public health capacity4,sec4 #bjb4 ,assistance to promote freedom of the press4,sec4 #bjc4 ,indo-,pacific ,media ,advancement ,program4,sec4 #bjd4 ,program to promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals4,sec4 #bje4 ,education assistance4,sec4 #bjf4 ,people-to-people ties4,sec4 #bjg4 ,pacific ,islands ,,trades ,program4,sec4 #bjh4 ,investment agreements4,sec4 #bji4 ,committee on ,engagement with ,civil ,society ,organizations in the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #baj4 ,american ,spaces in the ,pacific ,islands4,title ,,iii--,peace and ,security,sec4 #cja4 ,building the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions4,sec4 #cjb4 ,reporting4,sec4 #cjc4 ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy4,title ,,iv--,resource and ,economic ,development,sec4 #dja4 ,trade development with the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #djb4 ,trade capacity building initiative for the ,pacific ,islands4,sec4 #djc4 ,united ,states ,commercial ,service4,title ,v--,environmental and disaster resilience,sec4 #eja4 ,assistance to enhance preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies4,sec4 #ejb4 ,climate resilient infrastructure4,title ,,vi--,ocean and ,environment,sec4 #fja4 ,oceans management4,sec4 #fjb4 ,sea level rise4,sec4 #fjc4 ,illegal1 unreported1 and unregulated fishing4,title ,,vii--,technology and ,connectivity,sec4 #gja4 ,digital access and inclusion4,sec4 #gjb4 ,cybersecurity4,title ,,viii--,report on the ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership and ,authorization of ,appropriations,sec4 #hja4 ,report on the ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership4,sec4 #hjb4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,except as otherwise provided1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations and the ,committee on ,appropriations 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 #c4 ,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 the appropriate congressional committees pursuant to such deadlines and that contains all information required under such reports4 7b7 ,form of reports ,each report required to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees under this ,act and any consolidated report described in subsection 7a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex4 ,i ,political ,leadership and ,regionalism #aja4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,pacific ,islands-- 7,a7 are home to roughly #ab1cjj1jjj residents2 7,b7 are spread across an expanse of the ,pacific ,ocean equivalent to #ae percent of the ,earth's surface1 including the three subregions of ,melanesia1 ,micronesia1 and ,polynesia2 and 7,c7 face shared challenges in development that have distinct local contexts1 including unique environmental challenges and rising sea levels1 geographic distances from major markets1 and vulnerability to external shocks such as natural disasters in both slow and sudden onset situations4 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 security that fully respects the sovereignty of all nations2 7,b7 advancing economic prosperity free from coercion and unfair practices through trade and sustainable development2 and 7,c7 supporting democracy1 good governance1 the rule of law1 and human rights and fundamental freedoms4 7#d7 ,successive ,united ,states administrations have recognized the importance of the ,pacific region1 including the ,pacific ,islands1 in high-level strategic documents1 including the following3 7,a7 ,the #bjae ,national ,security ,strategy1 which first declared the rebalance to ,asia and the ,pacific1 affirmed the ,united ,states as a ,pacific nation1 and paved the way for subsequent ,united ,states engagement with the ,pacific ,islands1 including several new policies focused on conservation and environmental resilience announced in ,september #bjaf4 7,b7 ,the #bjag ,national ,security ,strategy1 which 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,c7 ,the #bjai ,indo-,pacific ,strategy ,report1 which 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,d7 ,the #bjbb ,indo-,pacific ,strategy ,report1 which recognized the need to engage further with the ,pacific ,islands on shared security goals4 7,e7 ,the #bjbb ,strategy for ,pacific ,island ,partnership1 which outlined goals and methods for deepening the ,united ,states partnerships with ,pacific ,island nations4 7,f7 ,the #bjbb ,national ,security ,strategy1 which identified the ,pacific ,islands as an area of particular focus for expansion of regional diplomatic1 development1 and economic engagement in the broader ,indo-,pacific4 7#e7 ,the ,united ,states has deepened its diplomatic engagement with the ,pacific ,islands through several recent initiatives1 including-- 7,a7 the ,pacific ,pledge1 which provided an additional #ajj1jjj1jjj in #bjai and #bjj1jjj1jjj in #bjbj1 in addition to the foreign assistance that the ,united ,states provided annually to the region1 to support shared priorities in economic and human development1 environmental resilience1 and more2 7,b7 the ,small and ,less ,populous ,island ,economies 7,,salpie7 ,initiative launched in ,march #bjba to strengthen ,united ,states collaboration with island countries and territories1 including in the ,pacific ,islands1 on ,,covid-#ai economic challenges1 long-term economic development1 climate change1 and other shared interests2 7,c7 the declaration on ,u4,s4-,pacific ,partnership of #bjbb in which the ,united ,states and the ,pacific ,islands resolved to strengthen their partnership1 bolstering ,pacific regionalism2 7,d7 the ,partners in the ,blue ,pacific ,initiative1 a new initiative1 to increase diplomatic engagement and coordination in the region2 7,e7 the establishment of a ,u4,s4-,pacific ,islands ,summit held in ,washington1 ,,dc in #bjbb and #bjbc2 and 7,f7 the increase in the total amount of ,united ,states foreign assistance provided to the ,pacific ,islands1 from #cjb1ejj1jjj in fiscal year #bjbb to #dff1ajj1jjj in fiscal year #bjbc4 7#f7 ,the ,boe ,declaration on ,regional ,security1 adopted in #bjah by leaders of the ,pacific ,islands ,forum1 the central multilateral organization of the ,pacific ,islands and partners1 affirmed that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods1 security1 and well-being 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#g7 ,the ,asian ,development ,bank has estimated that the ,pacific ,islands region requires upwards of #b1hjj1jjj1jjj a year in investment through #bjcj1 in addition to #cjj1jjj1jjj a year for climate mitigation and adaptation over the same period4 7#h7 ,since #aiff1 thousands of ,peace ,corps volunteers have proudly served in the ,pacific ,islands1 building strong people-to-people relationships and partnerships demonstrating the ,united ,states commitment to peace and sustainable development in the region1 including supporting education1 health1 and economic development initiatives4 ,since having to suspend operations during the ,,covid-#ai pandemic1 the ,peace ,corps has reopened its posts in ,fiji1 ,tonga1 ,samoa1 and ,vanuatu and has signed a ,memorandum of ,understanding with ,palau regarding its intent to reopen that post by the end of #bjbe4 ,peace ,corps volunteers continue to be in high demand in the ,pacific ,islands and have been requested across the region4 #ajb4 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to articulate and commit to a comprehensive1 multifaceted1 and principled ,united ,states policy in the ,pacific ,islands that-- 7,a7 promotes peace1 security1 and prosperity for all countries through a rules-based regional order that respects the sovereignty1 self-determination1 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 nations and addresses socioeconomic and environmental challenges related to public health1 education1 renewable energy1 digital connectivity1 and more2 7,c7 supports regional efforts to strengthen resilience to natural disasters and through responsible stewardship of natural resources and the needs for collective action to mitigate its impacts and build resilience2 7,d7 improves civil society1 strengthens democratic governance and the rule of law1 and promotes human rights and the preservation of the region's unique cultural heritages2 and 7,e7 supports existing regional architecture and the international rules-based order and principles of international law2 7#b7 to support the vision1 values1 and objectives of existing regional multilateral institutions and frameworks1 such as the ,pacific ,islands ,forum and the ,pacific ,community1 including-- 7,a7 the #bjjj ,biketawa ,declaration2 7,b7 the #bjad ,framework for ,pacific ,regionalism2 7,c7 the #bjah ,boe ,declaration on ,regional ,security2 7,d7 the ,boe ,declaration ,action ,plan2 and 7,e7 the #bjej ,strategy for the ,blue ,pacific ,continent2 and 7#c7 to work closely with ,united ,states allies and partners with existing relationships and interests in the ,pacific ,islands1 including ,australia1 ,new ,zealand1 ,japan1 ,south ,korea1 ,taiwan1 the ,united ,kingdom1 ,france1 ,germany1 and ,india1 in advancing common goals4 #ajc4 ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,january #a1 #bjbg1 and every #d years thereafter1 the ,president shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy to be known as the ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership 7in this section referred to as the ,strategy74 7b7 ,matters ,to be included ,the ,strategy shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a description of overarching goals for the ,united ,states-,pacific ,island ,partnership4 7#b7 ,a description of measurable objectives for ,united ,states engagement in the ,pacific ,islands4 7#c7 ,an assessment of threats to the ,pacific ,islands region4 7#d7 ,a plan to address the security of the ,pacific ,islands region4 7#e7 ,a strategy to invest in and improve critical infrastructure4 7#f7 ,a regional ,development ,cooperation ,strategy formulated by the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development4 7c7 ,consultation ,in developing the ,strategy1 the ,president should consult1 as appropriate1 with-- 7#a7 regional organizations1 such as the ,pacific ,islands ,forum1 the ,pacific ,islands ,development ,program1 the ,pacific ,community and ,secretariat for the ,pacific ,regional ,environment ,programme2 7#b7 the countries of the ,pacific ,islands2 7#c7 stakeholders such as civil society1 faith-based organizations1 and non-state actors2 7#d7 ,united ,states allies and partners2 and 7#e7 ,united ,states ,pacific territories and ,states4 7d7 ,coordination ,in implementing the ,strategy1 the ,president shall coordinate with the heads of other ,federal agencies1 including the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 the ,administrator of ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 and the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative4 #ajd4 ,staffing 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation shall endeavor to increase the number of staff working on ,pacific ,islands issues and in the ,pacific ,islands to carry out this ,act4 7b7 ,authorization ,the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,commerce are authorized to hire locally-employed staff in the ,pacific ,islands to promote increased diplomatic engagement and economic and commercial engagement between the ,united ,states and the ,pacific ,islands4 #aje4 ,strategic communications in the ,pacific ,islands ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for strategic communications in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7#a7 a review of such communications1 including ,united ,states interagency and multilateral efforts with like-minded partners2 7#b7 an assessment of the resources being used for such communications1 including the number of staff devoted to such communications1 the location of such staff1 and the funds appropriated for such communications2 7#c7 an assessment of any additional resources needed for such communications2 7#d7 an assessment of how ,united ,states engagement is being perceived in the ,pacific ,islands and how such perception might be improved2 7#e7 an assessment of how engagement by other actors is being perceived in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7#f7 specific recommendations for the expansion and improvement of such communications4 #ajf4 ,assistance with international organizations 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 as appropriate1 shall provide support and technical assistance to ,pacific ,islands countries to assist such countries to access existing development support and funding from international organizations1 such as the ,united ,nations and multilateral financial institutions4 ,such support and technical assistance may include-- 7#a7 technical support navigating grant programs1 international investment mechanisms1 and other opportunities offered by international organizations for sustainable development2 7#b7 support receiving necessary certifications and complying with technical requirements to participate in international financial mechanisms from which ,pacific ,islands countries may benefit2 and 7#c7 support complying with reporting and oversight requirements for programs conducted by international organizations4 7b7 ,international financial institutions ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury should 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 resilient infrastructure projects and to build environmental resilience in the ,pacific ,islands4 #ajg4 ,allies and partners in the ,pacific ,islands region 7a7 ,in general ,the ,president1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative1 and any other relevant official1 should consult and coordinate with allies and partners in the ,pacific ,islands region1 including ,australia1 ,new ,zealand1 ,japan1 ,south ,korea1 ,taiwan1 the ,united ,kingdom1 ,france1 ,germany1 and ,india1 and regional institutions such as the ,pacific ,islands ,forum1 the ,pacific ,islands ,development ,program1 the ,pacific ,community and ,secretariat for the ,pacific ,regional ,environment ,programme1 with respect to programs to provide assistance to the ,pacific ,islands1 including programs established by this ,act1 including for purposes of-- 7#a7 deconflicting programming2 7#b7 ensuring that any programming does not adversely affect the absorptive capacity of the ,pacific ,islands2 7#c7 ensuring complementary programs benefit the ,pacific ,islands to the maximum extent practicable2 and 7#d7 ensuring that programming aligns with regional development goals1 as outlined by documents such as the #bjej ,strategy for the ,blue ,pacific ,continent in order to support sustainable development and promote a shared vision for the future of the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,formal consultative process ,the ,president shall endeavor to establish a formal consultative process with such regional allies and partners to coordinate with respect to such programs and future-years programming4 #ajh4 ,extension of diplomatic immunities to the ,pacific ,islands ,forum ,the provisions of the ,international ,organizations ,immunities ,act 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bhh et seq47 may be extended to the ,pacific ,islands ,forum in the same manner1 to the same extent1 and subject to the same conditions as such provisions may be extended to a public international organization in which the ,united ,states participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any ,act of ,congress authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such participation4 #aji4 ,ambassador's ,self-,help ,small ,grants ,program 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 at the #ecrd ,pacific ,islands ,forum ,leaders ,meeting1 the ,united ,states ,government announced that the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the ,department of ,state are working together to set up an ,ambassador's ,self-,help ,small ,grants ,program that will provide targeted funding for small-scale projects and increase the flexibility of ,united ,states funding resources across the ,pacific2 and 7#b7 this program will support community-led initiatives1 filling a gap by providing more accessible resources for small projects that address local needs4 7b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state and ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall continue to administer and implement the ,ambassador's ,self-,help ,small ,grants ,program4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated #fej1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcc to carry out this section4 #aaj4 ,establishing a senior official for the ,compacts of ,free ,association at the ,department of ,state 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall designate a senior official at the ,department of ,state responsible for administering the ,compacts of ,free ,association 7in this section referred to as the 8,compacts07 at the ,department of ,state 7in this section referred to as the 8,senior ,official074 ,the ,senior ,official shall report to the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,east ,asian and ,pacific ,affairs4 7b7 ,duties ,the ,senior ,official shall-- 7#a7 be responsible for the conduct of ,united ,states foreign policy with respect to the countries affiliated with the ,united ,states ,government under the ,compacts1 namely the freely associated states of-- 7,a7 the ,republic of ,palau2 7,b7 the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands2 and 7,c7 the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia2 7#b7 assist the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,east ,asian and ,pacific ,affairs in providing overall direction1 coordination1 and supervision of interdepartmental activities of the ,united ,states ,government in these countries1 including ensuring the timely transfer of assistance and provision of benefits through the ,united ,states ,department of the ,interior1 as specified in the ,compacts2 7#c7 oversee and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of ,united ,states policy with respect to these countries as well as of the plans1 programs1 resources1 and performance for implementing that policy1 including programs and other activities implemented by the ,department of the ,interior2 7#d7 directly supervise the policy and operations of the ,compacts and provide guidance to relevant ,united ,states missions within the ,indo-,pacific region2 7#e7 ensure the provision of an adequate1 regular flow of information to posts abroad on ,united ,states ,government policies1 policy deliberations1 and diplomatic exchanges in ,washington1 ,d4,c42 and 7#f7 ensure the continuity of implementation of commitments and ,compact obligations and benefits1 consistent with ,united ,states national interests in the ,indo-,pacific region4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated #bej1jjj to support the ,senior ,official in the conduct and discharge of the duties described in subsection 7b74 ,,ii ,people-,centered ,development #bja4 ,assistance to improve public health outcomes and build public health capacity 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 is authorized to assist the ,pacific ,islands to improve public health outcomes and build public health capacity4 7b7 ,activities supported ,activities authorized to be carried out under subsection 7a7 may include-- 7#a7 programming1 including grants1 cooperative agreements1 and other forms of assistance1 as appropriate1 to assist in building local capacity to ensure that ,pacific ,islanders have access to the essential health services they need to thrive and to address-- 7,a7 maternal and child health2 7,b7 family planning and reproductive health2 7,c7 gender-based violence2 7,d7 food security and nutrition2 7,e7 noncommunicable diseases2 7,f7 communicable diseases1 including neglected tropical diseases1 tuberculosis1 ,,hiv_/,,aids1 sexually-transmitted infections1 and zoonotic and emerging infectious disease threats2 7,g7 equitable access to quality1 essential1 and affordable health services and quality-assured1 safe1 effective medical products and their appropriate use2 and 7,h7 water1 sanitation1 and hygiene2 7#b7 technical assistance to strengthen local health system capacity and resilience in the areas of good leadership and governance1 sustainable financing1 interoperable information systems and high quality data for decision making1 efficient medical products and supply chain systems1 and management of human resources for health1 with special attention to increasing health worker performance1 retention1 productivity1 number1 skill mix1 and competency1 including through exploring opportunities such as private sector engagement and digital health integration and access2 7#c7 coordination with existing local and regional health sector goals1 efforts1 institutions1 and frameworks2 and 7#d7 investment in and improvement of critical infrastructure1 including hospitals1 health clinics and pharmacies 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 on the implementation of this section4 #bjb4 ,assistance to promote freedom of the press ,the ,secretary of ,state is authorized to provide assistance to promote the dissemination of free and accurate information in the ,pacific ,islands1 including for the following purposes3 7#a7 ,media capacity building and education1 including to-- 7,a7 provide on-site media training tailored to local needs2 7,b7 collaborate with local government and nongovernmental entities to promote media literacy and integrate media literacy into primary education curricula in local languages and dialects to ensure accessibility2 and 7,c7 routinize funding for professional programs1 such as the ,pacific ,islands ,journalism ,reporting ,tour1 that bring media professionals from the ,pacific ,islands to the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,strengthening and diversifying broadcast content tailored to local audiences1 including content broadcast in the local vernacular4 7#c7 ,investing in connectivity infrastructure with an emphasis on broadcast radio and transmission4 #bjc4 ,indo-,pacific ,media ,advancement ,program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall continue to implement and develop the ,indo-,pacific ,media ,advancement ,program to promote a robust1 free media in the ,pacific ,islands and strengthen the capacity of media outlets and journalists in the ,indo-,pacific region to develop their business strategies1 enhance their ability to conduct independent journalism1 and counter disinformation4 7b7 ,goals ,the goals of the ,indo-,pacific ,media ,advancement ,program shall be to accomplish the following3 7#a7 ,increase the understanding of prevalent misinformation and disinformation narratives4 7#b7 ,develop the capacity of professional1 independent media organizations and journalists to develop and implement media sustainability plans1 improve business operations1 and increase the quality and quantity of published information and news4 7#c7 ,expand media outlets' access to resources1 content-sharing agreements1 and equipment1 so that such outlets can provide quality content4 7#d7 ,develop the technical and investigative skills of journalists to conduct pre-bunking1 fact-checking1 and debunking to address misinformation and disinformation4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the heads of other ,federal departments or agencies1 as appropriate1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the ,indo-,pacific ,media ,advancement ,program and the engagement of the ,united ,states with the free media in the ,pacific ,islands1 including the following3 7#a7 ,an overview of the media and journalism landscape in the ,pacific ,islands4 7#b7 ,a review of the efforts and planned efforts of the ,united ,states ,government to strengthen free and independent media in the ,pacific ,islands1 including a description of the objectives1 means of implementation1 and measures of success of the ,indo-,pacific ,media ,advancement ,program4 7#c7 ,an assessment of challenges to a free and open media in the ,pacific ,islands and to the implementation of the ,indo-,pacific ,media ,advancement ,program1 including strategies to mitigate such challenges4 7#d7 ,an assessment of any additional authorities or resources necessary for more robust ,united ,states engagement to promote a free media in the ,pacific ,islands and greater implementation of the ,indo-,pacific ,media ,advancement ,program4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #d1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcc to carry out this section4 #bjd4 ,program to promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that routinized people-to-people exchange programs to bring ,pacific ,islands religious leaders1 journalists1 civil society members1 politicians1 and others to the ,united ,states1 as well as supporting similar exchange participants from the ,united ,states to the ,pacific ,islands1 strengthens existing relationships and advances ,united ,states interests and shared values in the region4 7b7 ,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 7c7 ,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 professional1 vocational1 and academic fellowships2 and 7#d7 people-to-people exchanges4 7d7 ,briefing 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,educational and ,cultural ,affairs1 should brief the appropriate congressional committees on exchange programs for the ,pacific ,islands region4 7#b7 ,elements ,the briefing required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 an assessment of any factors constraining the number and frequency of ,international ,visitor ,leadership ,program participants from countries of the ,pacific ,islands2 7,b7 an identification of resources that are necessary to address the factors described in subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,c7 a strategy for connecting alumni and participants of the ,department of ,state's professional development exchange programs in ,east ,asia1 such as the ,young ,southeast ,asian ,leaders ,initiative and the ,young ,pacific ,leaders programs1 to enhance interregion and intraregion people-to-people ties4 #bje4 ,education assistance 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 promoting basic education in the ,pacific ,islands1 particularly in traditionally underserved communities1 advances ,united ,states foreign policy goals and requires a whole of government approach1 and the ,united ,states ,government currently dedicates insufficient resources and attention to assisting with education needs in the region2 7#b7 the ,peace ,corps alone is insufficient to achieve ,united ,states objectives of promoting sustainable1 quality basic education2 and 7#c7 countries of the ,pacific ,islands meet the requirements outlined in subsection 7c77#d7 of section #aje of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baea;c74 7b7 ,education assistance ,the ,president is authorized to provide assistance under section #aje of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baea;c7 to promote sustainable1 quality basic education in the ,pacific ,islands1 including for the following purposes3 7#a7 ,supporting national nutrition and health programs4 7#b7 ,working with partner governments to reform policies1 improve curricula1 strengthen data systems1 train teachers1 and provide quality learning materials4 7#c7 ,building new schools and renovating older facilities to ensure safe places for learning4 7#d7 ,providing individuals1 particularly at-risk youth1 with relevant education1 training1 and skills for meaningful employment4 7#e7 ,removing barriers to entering formal education for out-of-school individuals1 assisting in keeping them in school1 and providing an opportunity to catch up on schooling for those left behind4 7#f7 ,promoting teaching and research exchanges between the ,pacific ,islands and ,united ,states institutions of higher education1 including community colleges4 #bjf4 ,people-to-people ties ,the ,secretary of ,state and ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall continue to administer and expand programs fostering people-to-people ties between the ,united ,states and ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7#a7 the ,youth ,ambassadors ,program in the ,bureau of ,educational and ,cultural ,affairs2 7#b7 the ,academy of ,women ,entrepreneurs2 7#c7 the ,minority ,serving ,institutions ,partnerships ,initiatives to the ,pacific2 7#d7 the ,u4,s4-,pacific ,institute for ,rising ,leaders ,fellowship2 and 7#e7 the ,global ,,stem ,development ,scholarship ,program4 #bjg4 ,pacific ,islands ,,trades ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall establish a program1 to be known as the 8,pacific ,islands ,training and ,resources for ,advancement in ,development1 ,education1 and ,skills ,program0 or the 8,pacific ,islands ,,trades ,program01 to1 through scholarships1 training from such agency1 and grants to partner organizations1 assist with workforce development in the ,pacific ,islands to-- 7#a7 increase the capacity of the local workforce through medium- and long-term training and technical assistance in sectors of critical importance to the ,pacific ,islands1 such as construction1 tourism1 boat maintenance1 and fisheries2 7#b7 balance maximizing workforce retention in the ,pacific ,islands with any necessary training outside of the ,pacific ,islands1 with a focus on avoiding exacerbating outward labor flows2 7#c7 keep ,pacific priorities in mind by coordinating with like-minded allies and partners and working with local organizations and governments2 and 7#d7 provide resources for technical and management skills development to adequately prepare the workforce of the ,pacific ,islands for any potential incoming investment4 7b7 ,report ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the ,pacific ,islands ,,trades ,program1 including the following3 7#a7 ,a comprehensive overview of such program4 7#b7 ,an identification of the office overseeing such program4 7#c7 ,a list of any partner organizations involved in such program4 7#d7 ,a description of the training and workforce development planned as part of such program4 7#e7 ,an assessment of the impact of such program4 7#f7 ,any additional resources needed to implement such program4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #aj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcc to carry out this section4 #bjh4 ,investment agreements 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation has a dual mandate to advance ,united ,states foreign policy and make development-focused investment around the world with a focus on communities most in need2 7#b7 the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation must enter into an investment incentive agreement with a jurisdiction's government in order to pursue development projects in that jurisdiction2 7#c7 the market-based private sector development and inclusive economic growth of ,solomon ,islands and the ,republic of ,vanuatu are in the ,united ,states foreign policy interest2 7#d7 the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation has not entered into investment incentive agreements with the government of ,solomon ,islands or with the government of the ,republic of ,vanuatu2 and 7#e7 the inability of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation to support investments in ,solomon ,islands and the ,republic of ,vanuatu undermines ,united ,states policy to provide countries a robust alternative to state-direct investments by authoritarian governments and ,united ,states strategic competitors4 7b7 ,investment agreements ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall continue and prioritize efforts to enter into investment incentive agreements with the governments of those ,pacific ,islands in which the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation is otherwise authorized to operate under the ,,build ,act of #bjah 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #ifja et seq474 7c7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 as appropriate1 is authorized to provide technical assistance to assist the ,pacific ,islands in negotiating and executing investment incentive agreements with the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation4 #bji4 ,committee on ,engagement with ,civil ,society ,organizations in the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall establish a committee1 to be known as the 8,committee on ,engagement with ,civil ,society ,organizations in the ,pacific ,islands0 7referred to in this subsection as the 8,committee07 for the purposes of-- 7#a7 coordinating interagency engagement with civil society organizations in the ,pacific ,islands2 7#b7 coordinating collaboration with ,united ,states partners and allies on engagement with civil society organizations in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7#c7 aligning such engagement with the needs of the ,pacific ,islands and the national security priorities of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,strategy ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,committee shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy on engagement with civil society organizations in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7#a7 a review of current efforts across the ,united ,states ,government to engage with such organizations1 including the role of such efforts in the delivery of foreign aid to communities2 7#b7 a plan for engagement across the ,united ,states ,government with such organizations2 7#c7 an assessment of the importance of engagement by the ,united ,states with such organizations and how such engagement aligns with the advancement of ,indo-,pacific and ,pacific ,islands priorities within the ,national ,security ,strategy1 ,indo-,pacific ,strategy1 and ,pacific ,partnership ,strategy2 7#d7 an analysis of interagency cooperation regarding ,united ,states engagement with such organizations and specific recommendations for expansion and improvement of such cooperation2 7#e7 an analysis of the resources needed to bolster and streamline ,united ,states engagement with such organizations1 including any additional statutory authorities or appropriations of funds2 7#f7 an analysis of any engagement conducted by a country other than the ,united ,states with such organizations1 including engagement that may undermine civil society in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7#g7 an assessment of opportunities for greater coordination between the ,united ,states and like-minded partners and allies4 #baj4 ,american ,spaces in the ,pacific ,islands ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall develop and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the state of and plans for ,american ,spaces in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7#a7 an overview of ,american ,spaces in the ,pacific ,islands 7including ,american ,corners and ,american ,centers71 including an assessment of the current and historical programming and resources of ,american ,spaces2 7#b7 a plan for future ,american ,spaces in ,pacific ,island countries1 including any new development or expansion of existing ,american ,spaces1 and a description of any additional resources needed for such expansion2 and 7#c7 an assessment of the impact of ,american ,spaces on ,american foreign policy and national security interests1 including in comparison to the similar initiatives of other actors4 ,,iii ,peace and ,security #cja4 ,building the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,defense and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 as appropriate1 is authorized to provide assistance to build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions of the ,pacific ,islands for purposes of-- 7#a7 enhancing maritime security and maritime domain awareness to address challenges such as illegal1 unreported1 and unregulated fishing2 7#b7 assisting local law enforcement in detecting1 preventing1 and combating trafficking in persons and drug trafficking and other forms of transnational crime2 7#c7 providing essential services to civilian populations and responding to humanitarian challenges caused by natural disasters2 7#d7 participating in efforts by regional institutions and frameworks to coordinate and facilitate cooperation on shared security challenges2 7#e7 expanding information sharing and working toward operational coordination and interoperability among ,pacific ,island maritime security forces1 including through regional fusion centers2 and 7#f7 providing assistance in legal actions1 including hiring legal counsel or providing legal support1 as appropriate1 to support the ,pacific ,islands in defending their rights and interests related to maritime security1 combating transnational crime1 responding to natural disasters1 and participating in regional security efforts4 7b7 ,related programs and authorities ,the assistance and capacity building authorized by this subsection should build on 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#f7 ,the ,national ,guard ,state ,partnership ,program4 7#g7 ,the ,international ,narcotics ,control and ,law ,enforcement ,program4 7c7 ,national police forces and coast guards ,the national police forces and coast guards of countries of the ,pacific ,islands are eligible to receive assistance under the programs and authorities described in subsection 7b7 7other than the programs and authorities described in paragraphs 7#a71 7#d71 7#f71 and 7#g7 of subsection 7b774 #cjb4 ,reporting 7a7 ,updates of certain reports ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the heads of other ,federal agencies as appropriate1 shall identify and update the reports described in subsection 7b7 to include in such reports a discussion of forms of transnational crime affecting the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,reports described ,the reports described in this subsection are the following3 7#a7 ,the ,international ,narcotics ,control ,strategy report4 7#b7 ,the ,improving ,international ,fisheries ,management report4 7#c7 ,the ,trafficking in ,persons report4 #cjc4 ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,department of ,state's ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academies are valuable tools in our relationships with other countries and enhancing the capacity of foreign criminal justice partners to combat transnational crime2 7#b7 assistance in combating transnational crime is frequently cited as an area of need from ,pacific ,islands leaders2 and 7#c7 the ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy in ,bangkok1 ,thailand recently widened its audience to include the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report-- 7#a7 detailing training and other activities that the ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy in ,bangkok1 ,thailand has conducted with ,pacific ,islands participants2 7#b7 describing any planned expansions to the ,bangkok ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy's programming1 including the ,pacific ,islands1 and any challenges to those planned expansions1 including any gaps and needs in funding1 staffing levels1 and physical space2 and 7#c7 assessing the feasibility of continuing to administer and expand programming for the ,pacific ,islands through the ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy in ,bangkok1 or if the establishment of an additional ,international ,law ,enforcement ,academy dedicated to serving the ,pacific ,islands is necessary1 and what resources and authorities would be needed to do so4 ,,iv ,resource and ,economic ,development #dja4 ,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 socioeconomic development and mutual prosperity4 7b7 ,trade development ,the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative is authorized to expand and diversify trade and promote regional development with the ,pacific ,islands1 including through negotiating trade and investment framework agreements4 #djb4 ,trade capacity building initiative for the ,pacific ,islands 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 and the ,director of the ,united ,states ,trade and ,development ,agency are authorized to implement programming to build trade capacity in the ,pacific ,islands4 7b7 ,activities ,the activities authorized under this section include-- 7#a7 development of human and institutional capacity and infrastructure across multiple sectors of economies1 including digital connectivity and cybersecurity2 7#b7 assistance with development and implementation of regional and international trade agreements1 including the ,world ,trade ,organization's ,agreement on ,trade ,facilitation and facilitation of intraregional trade flows2 7#c7 support for women-owned enterprises and gender equality2 and 7#d7 promotion of government policies that encourage free and fair competition1 sound governance1 environmental protection1 and business environments conducive to sustainable and inclusive economic growth4 #djc4 ,united ,states ,commercial ,service ,the ,secretary of ,commerce shall expand the presence of the ,united ,states ,commercial ,service in the ,pacific ,islands and allocate additional ,foreign ,commercial ,service ,officers to the ,pacific ,islands1 including by elevating existing partner posts and establishing new ,commercial ,service posts and partner posts1 to-- 7#a7 explore opportunities for ,united ,states private sector investment2 7#b7 examine regulations in host countries in the ,pacific ,islands that may hinder foreign direct investment1 including those related to human rights1 labor rights1 and environmental protection1 and provide technical assistance when requested by such host countries2 and 7#c7 report on the commercial and investment activities of non-allied foreign actors in the ,pacific ,islands4 ,v ,environmental and disaster resilience #eja4 ,assistance to enhance preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies ,the ,secretary of ,state is authorized to assist the ,pacific ,islands to enhance preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies4 ,such assistance includes-- 7#a7 education and training programs on natural disaster prevention and preparedness for emergency management professionals in the ,pacific ,islands1 including by leveraging the expertise of nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education in the ,united ,states2 7#b7 technical assistance1 including through grants and cooperative agreements for qualified ,united ,states and local nongovernmental organizations1 to enhance early warning systems1 emergency management and preparedness procedures1 and post-disaster relief and recovery2 7#c7 coordination of existing disaster mitigation and response plans in the region1 including by ,united ,states allies and partners in the region2 7#d7 infrastructure development and upgrades to improve disaster preparedness and response1 such as the construction of evacuation centers1 flood control measures1 and communication networks2 7#e7 support for local community-based disaster risk reduction programs1 including the development of evacuation plans1 training in first aid and emergency response1 and provision of emergency supplies2 7#f7 technical assistance and training to enhance the capacity of local emergency response agencies1 including search and rescue teams1 fire departments1 and medical personnel2 7#g7 provision of critical humanitarian assistance1 such as food1 water1 shelter1 and medical care1 in the aftermath of disasters2 and 7#h7 support for programs aimed at reducing the long-term impacts of disasters1 such as disaster risk insurance1 small business recovery programs1 and environmental restoration initiatives4 #ejb4 ,climate resilient infrastructure ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 as appropriate1 is authorized to-- 7#a7 invest in and improve critical infrastructure1 including transport connectivity1 hospitals1 health clinics1 pharmacies1 information and communications technology1 food security1 coastal zone management1 marine and water resource management1 and energy security and access to electricity in the ,pacific ,islands1 with an emphasis on climate resiliency and sustainable development2 7#b7 provide technical assistance to assist local government and civil society leaders assess risks to local infrastructure1 consider and implement risk mitigation efforts and policies to strengthen resilience1 and evaluate proposed projects and solutions for their efficacy and sustainability2 7#c7 support investment and improvement in ecosystem conservation and protection for the long-term sustainable use of ecosystem services1 especially those that support environmental resilience1 food security and livelihoods2 7#d7 invest in and improve critical telecommunications infrastructure and cybersecurity2 7#e7 foster public-private partnerships and cooperation among stakeholders to mobilize private sector investment and innovation for sustainable infrastructure development and climate resiliency in the ,pacific ,islands2 7#f7 provide technical assistance and capacity building to local governments and communities to integrate climate resilience into their infrastructure planning and development strategies2 7#g7 develop and implement programs that promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies in the ,pacific ,islands1 including through investment in clean energy infrastructure and technical assistance to local utilities and energy regulators2 7#h7 work with regional organizations and governments to promote the sustainable management of marine resources1 including through the development of marine protected areas and ecosystem-based management approaches2 7#i7 foster partnerships between ,pacific ,island governments and research institutions to build scientific capacity and support research on impacts to climate and environment and adaptation strategies in the region2 and 7#aj7 promote the use of innovative financing mechanisms1 such as green bonds and climate risk insurance1 to help ,pacific ,island countries access affordable financing for climate-resilient infrastructure development4 ,,vi ,ocean and ,environment #fja4 ,oceans management ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the ,secretary of ,commerce1 is authorized to-- 7#a7 support programming that promotes fisheries sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation in the ,pacific ,islands2 7#b7 support the development1 adoption1 and implementation of regional sustainable fisheries policies1 standards1 and regulatory frameworks2 7#c7 partner with regional private sector interests in the adoption and implementation of seafood industry fair-labor standards and sustainable fishing practices2 7#d7 provide technical assistance to assist local government and civil society leaders to improve environmental and ocean management2 and 7#e7 provide technical assistance and capacity building to improve data collection and management1 including through the use of innovative technologies1 to support sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation in the region2 7#f7 support the development and implementation of integrated ocean management and marine spatial planning frameworks that incorporate local knowledge and community input1 promote ecosystem-based management approaches1 and address transboundary marine conservation challenges2 7#g7 support research and monitoring programs to better understand changes and challenges to oceans and fisheries in the ,pacific ,islands and to inform evidence-based management approaches2 7#h7 support regional efforts to combat illegal1 unreported1 and unregulated fishing and promote sustainable fisheries practices1 including through the development of traceability systems and improved monitoring and enforcement capacity2 7#i7 encourage private sector investment in sustainable fisheries and marine conservation efforts in the ,pacific ,islands1 including through partnerships with local communities and businesses2 and 7#aj7 promote public awareness and engagement on issues related to sustainable fisheries and ocean management in the ,pacific ,islands1 including through education and outreach programs4 #fjb4 ,sea level rise ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the ,secretary of ,commerce1 is authorized to provide support and technical assistance to ,pacific ,islands to address the impacts of sea level rise with the aim of-- 7#a7 protecting and mitigating the impacts of sea level rise on coastal communities and their economies2 7#b7 protecting and increasing the resilience of critical coastal infrastructure2 7#c7 preserving ,pacific ,islands maritime boundaries and their entitlements2 7#d7 preserving ,pacific ,islands' statehoods2 7#e7 providing support to ,pacific ,islands to develop and implement effective and just migration policies that address the impacts of sea level rise on communities and provide options for those who wish to migrate2 7#f7 collaborating with international organizations and ,pacific ,island to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by sea level rise1 including through access to food1 water1 and shelter2 and 7#g7 supporting efforts to build resilience and sustainable livelihoods in affected communities1 including through the development of alternative economic opportunities and sustainable agriculture practices4 #fjc4 ,illegal1 unreported1 and unregulated fishing ,section #ceec of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjbj 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #hjcc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#h71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#i7 as paragraph 7#aj72 and 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#h7 the following3 7#i7 an assessment of gaps or limitations in the ability of the ,united ,states to effectively assist priority regions and priority flag states relating to ,,iuu fishing due to resource constraints and the additional resources necessary to overcome those constraints2 and 4 ,,vii ,technology and ,connectivity #gja4 ,digital access and inclusion ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the heads of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 the ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation1 and the ,united ,states ,trade and ,development ,authority1 is authorized to provide support to the ,pacific ,islands to-- 7#a7 expand access to high quality broadband and telecommunications infrastructure in the ,pacific ,islands2 7#b7 partner with regional private and public sector interests to promote and expand secure and accessible broadband connectivity2 and 7#c7 strengthen the private sector and civil society's digital capacity and digital skillset4 #gjb4 ,cybersecurity ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development and the heads of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 the ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation1 the ,cybersecurity and ,infrastructure ,security ,agency1 and the ,united ,states ,trade and ,development ,authority1 is authorized to provide support and technical assistance to the ,pacific ,islands to-- 7#a7 increase adoption of policies and regulatory positions that encourage open1 interoperable1 reliable1 and secure digital infrastructure2 7#b7 increase adoption of cybersecurity best practices in the ,pacific ,islands1 including through education and training programs for government and private sector entities2 7#c7 assist with the development and implementation of cybersecurity strategies and policies1 including incident response plans and risk management frameworks2 7#d7 promote international cooperation and information sharing on cybersecurity threats and incidents2 and 7#e7 assist in the establishment and strengthening of national and regional ,computer ,emergency ,response ,teams 7,c,e,r,ts7 to enhance cyber incident detection and response capabilities4 ,,viii ,report on the ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership and ,authorization of ,appropriations #hja4 ,report on the ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the date on which the initial report on the progress in implementing the ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership required by section #ajc is submitted to the appropriate congressional committees1 and not later than ,january #a of each odd-numbered year thereafter1 the ,president1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 the ,administrator of ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative1 and any other relevant official1 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the progress in implementing the ,strategy for ,pacific ,islands ,partnership4 7b7 ,matters ,to be included ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an assessment of the security challenges to the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7,a7 an assessment of the status of security challenges to the ,pacific ,islands1 including as outlined by regional documents such as the ,boe ,declaration on regional security2 7,b7 an analysis of demonstrated needs of the ,pacific ,islands for assistance1 including excess defense equipment and related materials with humanitarian and development uses to fulfill such needs2 7,c7 a review of existing security assistance programs in the ,pacific ,islands1 including programs and efforts provided by ,united ,states allies and partners2 7,d7 a plan for programs for training and sustainment with respect to such excess defense equipment and related materials1 including those with humanitarian and development uses2 7,e7 a list of militaries1 national police forces1 coast guards1 and other national security forces 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 7,g7 a review of existing cross-border maritime law enforcement operations 7commonly known as shiprider agreements7 with the ,pacific ,islands1 an assessment of additional resourcing needs to enhance operational capacity1 and a plan to improve on these programs and operations2 7,h7 a review of existing ,national ,guard ,state ,partnership ,programs with the ,pacific ,islands1 an assessment of additional opportunities to leverage ,national ,guard ,state ,partnership ,programs to address law enforcement1 disaster relief and emergency management1 and related priorities1 and a plan to expand1 as appropriate1 existing and new ,national ,guard ,state ,partnership ,programs in the region2 7,i7 a review of current efforts and progress in removing unexploded ordnance in the ,pacific ,islands and an assessment of additional resourcing needed to ensure continued progress1 including to support coordination with regional efforts and those of ,united ,states allies and partners2 7,j7 a review of existing regional fusion centers and other cooperative intelligence sharing efforts in the ,pacific ,islands to address maritime security1 transnational crime1 natural disasters1 and other security challenges and an assessment of opportunities for the ,united ,states to participate in such efforts1 including by allocating staff and supplying resourcing2 7,k7 measures to evaluate success for the strategy2 and 7,l7 a detailed assessment of appropriations required to achieve the objectives for the strategy in future years4 7#b7 ,an assessment of the diplomatic presence in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7,a7 a description of the ,department of ,state1 ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation1 ,united ,states ,trade and ,development ,authority and ,united ,states ,commercial ,service presence1 staffing1 programming1 and resourcing of operations in the ,pacific ,islands1 including programming and resourcing not specifically allocated to the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7,b7 a description of gaps in such presence1 including unfilled full-time equivalent positions4 7#c7 ,a description of coordination with regional allies1 including-- 7,a7 a review of ongoing efforts1 initiatives1 and programs undertaken by regional allies and partners1 including multilateral organizations1 to advance the priorities identified in this ,act2 7,b7 a review of ongoing efforts1 initiatives1 and programs undertaken by nonallied foreign actors that are viewed as being potentially harmful or in any way detrimental to one or more countries of the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7,c7 an assessment of ,united ,states programs in the ,pacific ,islands and their alignment and complementarity with the efforts of regional allies and partners4 7#d7 ,a description of trade capacity building1 including-- 7,a7 economic opportunities for which ,united ,states businesses1 or those of other like-minded partners1 would be competitive2 7,b7 legal1 economic1 governance1 infrastructural1 or other hurdles limiting ,united ,states investment in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7,c7 steps the ,united ,states has taken to-- 7i7 develop human and institutional capacity and infrastructure across multiple sectors of economies1 including digital connectivity and cybersecurity2 7ii7 assist with development and implementation of regional and international trade agreements1 including the ,world ,trade ,organization's ,agreement on ,trade ,facilitation and facilitation of intraregional trade flows2 7iii7 support women-owned enterprises and gender equality2 and 7iv7 promote government policies that encourage free and fair competition1 sound governance1 environmental protection1 and business environments conducive to sustainable and inclusive economic growth4 7#e7 ,a description of trade development1 including-- 7,a7 an assessment of the readiness of countries in the ,pacific ,islands to enter into enhanced trade relationships with the ,united ,states1 including with respect to reducing or eliminating tariff and nontariff barriers inhibiting progress towards deepening trade relationships2 7,b7 a review of existing regional multilateral and bilateral trade agreements and preference programs involving the ,pacific ,islands and their impacts on regional trade and development2 and 7,c7 an identification of opportunities to work with existing regional frameworks to increase trade and economic integration with the ,pacific ,islands4 7#f7 ,a description of emergency preparedness for the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7,a7 an assessment of disaster risks in the ,pacific ,islands and existing local and regional capacity to respond to such risks2 and 7,b7 a review of existing efforts by ,united ,states allies and partners to provide assistance and training for natural disaster preparedness and emergency management4 7#g7 ,a description of activities of the ,peace ,corps in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7,a7 a comparative analysis of the ,peace ,corps presence in the ,pacific ,islands region to other regions of the world1 including a cost-benefit analysis of placement in the region versus elsewhere globally2 7,b7 an analysis of current impediments to ,peace ,corps expansion in the ,pacific ,islands region2 7,c7 outcomes of consultations among ,united ,states agencies1 and with regional allies and partners1 on areas in which cooperation can reduce factors limiting ,peace ,corps expansion1 particularly those related to medical transportation and personal safety2 and 7,d7 a plan and timeline for implementing outcomes identified to facilitate expansion of ,peace ,corps presence in the region1 where appropriate4 7#h7 ,a description of public health and health care challenges in the ,pacific ,islands1 including health systems strengthening1 immunization1 noncommunicable diseases1 and gender-based violence4 7#i7 ,a description of resilient development in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7,a7 a review of foreign infrastructure developments in the ,pacific ,islands by non-,united ,states allies and partners2 7,b7 assessments of the environmental impact and sustainability of such developments2 7,c7 an analysis of the financial sustainability of such developments and their impacts on the debt of host countries in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7,d7 an analysis of the region's banking infrastructure and ,pacific ,island access to financial services4 7#aj7 ,a description of press freedom in the ,pacific ,islands1 including-- 7,a7 an assessment of the national laws of the ,pacific ,islands with respect to foreign investment in media and related sectors2 7,b7 relevant licensing regulations of the ,pacific ,islands and governmental restrictions on free expression that limit the availability of diverse media voices in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7,c7 analyses of covert efforts by foreign media actors in the ,pacific ,islands-- 7i7 to influence1 shape1 or circumvent regulations in the media or telecommunication sectors2 and 7ii7 to co-opt local media and narratives4 7#aa7 ,a description of civil society engagement and development1 including-- 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 7#ab7 ,a description of ,united ,states ,government efforts to assist the ,pacific ,islands in the improvement of critical physical and cyber infrastructure1 including-- 7,a7 investments in the development or improvement critical infrastructure supported by the ,united ,states2 7,b7 technical assistance for the development or improvement of critical infrastructure supported by the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 a description of support given to the ,pacific ,islands on the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure4 7#ac7 ,a description of ,united ,states ,government efforts to assist the ,pacific ,islands in accessing support from international organizations4 7#ad7 ,a description of how ,united ,states ,government efforts align with regional development goals1 as outlined in documents such as the #bjej ,strategy for a ,blue ,pacific ,continent4 7c7 ,recommendation ,beginning on the date that is #aj years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,president may submit to the appropriate congressional committees a recommendation on the consolidation or elimination of any duplicative reports as required by this section4 #hjb4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #bgj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcc to carry out this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act4