48 USC 1981 - Findings

Collapse to view only § 1981. Findings

§ 1981. Findings
§ 1982. Definitions
§ 1983. Approval of 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact, 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact, 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, and Subsidiary Agreements
§ 1984. Agreements with Federated States of Micronesia
§ 1985. Agreements with and other provisions related to the Republic of the Marshall Islands
§ 1986. Agreements with and other provisions related to the Republic of Palau
§ 1987. Oversight provisions
§ 1988. United States policy regarding the Freely Associated States
§ 1989. Additional authorities
§ 1990. Compact appropriations

§ 1981. Findings

Congress finds the following:

(1) The United States (in accordance with the Trusteeship Agreement for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the United Nations Charter, and the objectives of the international trusteeship system of the United Nations) fulfilled its obligations to promote the development of the people of the Trust Territory toward self-government or independence, as appropriate, to the particular circumstances of the Trust Territory and the people of the Trust Territory and the freely expressed wishes of the people concerned.

(2) The United States, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands entered into the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1901 note; Public Law 99–239) and the United States and the Republic of Palau entered into the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of Public Law 99–658 (48 U.S.C. 1931 note) to create and maintain a close and mutually beneficial relationship.

(3) The “Compact of Free Association, as amended, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia”, the “Compact of Free Association, as amended, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands”, and related agreements were signed by the Government of the United States and the Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands and approved, as applicable, by section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921 note; Public Law 108–188).

(4) The “Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau Following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review”, was signed by the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Palau on September 3, 2010, and amended on September 19, 2018.

(5) On May 22, 2023, the United States signed the “Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau Resulting From the 2023 Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review”.

(6) On May 23, 2023, the United States signed 3 agreements related to the U.S.-FSM Compact of Free Association, including an Agreement to Amend the Compact, as amended, a new fiscal procedures agreement, and a new trust fund agreement and on September 28, 2023, the United States signed a Federal Programs and Services agreement related to the U.S.-FSM Compact of Free Association.

(7) On October 16, 2023, the United States signed 3 agreements relating to the U.S.-RMI Compact of Free Association, including an Agreement to Amend the Compact, as amended, a new fiscal procedures agreement, and a new trust fund agreement.

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 202, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 419.)

§ 1982. DefinitionsIn this subchapter:

(1) 1986 Compact

(2) 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact

(3) 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact

(4) 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact

(5) 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact

(6) 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact

(7) 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact

(8) 2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement

(9) 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement

(10) 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement

(11) 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement

(12) 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement

(13) 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement

(14) Appropriate committees of CongressThe term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;

(B) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;

(D) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

(15) Freely Associated StatesThe term “Freely Associated States” means—

(A) the Federated States of Micronesia;

(B) the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and

(16) Subsidiary agreementThe term “subsidiary agreement” means any of the following:

(A) The 2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement.

(B) The 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement.

(D) The 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement.

(E) The 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement.

(F) Any Federal Programs and Services Agreement in force between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

(G) Any Federal Programs and Services Agreement in force between the United States and the Republic of Palau.

(H) Any other agreement that the United States may from time-to-time enter into with the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Government of the Republic of Palau, or the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in accordance with—

(i) the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(ii) the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement; or

(iii) the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact.

(17) U.S.-Palau Compact

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 203, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 420.)

§ 1983. Approval of 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact, 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact, 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, and Subsidiary Agreements

(a) Federated States of Micronesia

(1) Approval

(2) Consent of CongressCongress consents to—

(A) the 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement, as submitted to Congress on June 15, 2023; and

(B) the 2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement.

(3) Authority of President

(b) Republic of the Marshall Islands

(1) Approval

(2) Consent of Congress

(3) Authority of President

(1) Approval

(2) Authority of President

(d) Amendments, changes, or termination to Compacts and certain agreements

(1) In general

(2) Additional actions and agreementsIn addition to the Compacts described in paragraph (1), the requirements of that paragraph shall apply to—

(A) any action of the Government of the United States under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or U.S.-Palau Compact, including an action taken pursuant to section 431, 441, or 442 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or U.S.-Palau Compact; and

(B) any amendment to, change to, or termination of—

(i) the agreement described in section 462(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(ii) the agreement described in section 462(a)(5) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(iii) an agreement concluded pursuant to section 265 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(iv) an agreement concluded pursuant to section 265 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(v) an agreement concluded pursuant to section 177 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(vi) Articles III and IV of the agreement described in section 462(b)(6) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(vii) Articles III, IV, and X of the agreement described in section 462(b)(6) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(viii) the agreement described in section 462(h) of the U.S.-Palau Compact; and

(ix) Articles VI, XV, and XVII of the agreement described in section 462(b)(7) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and section 462(i) of the U.S.-Palau Compact.

(e) Entry into force of future amendments to subsidiary agreements

(1) In generalAn agreement between the United States and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Government of the Republic of Palau that would amend, change, or terminate any subsidiary agreement or portion of a subsidiary agreement (other than an amendment to, change to, or termination of an agreement described in subsection (d)) shall not enter into force until the date that is 90 days after the date on which the President has transmitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives—

(A) the agreement to amend, change, or terminate the subsidiary agreement;

(B) an explanation of the amendment, change, or termination;

(D) in the case of an agreement that would amend, change, or terminate any agreement described in section 462(b)(3) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact or the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, a statement by the Secretary of Labor that describes—

(i) the necessity of the amendment, change, or termination; and

(ii) any impacts of the amendment, change, or termination.

(2) Federal programs and services agreement with the republic of Palau

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 204, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 423; Pub. L. 118–83, div. B, title I, § 110(b)(1), Sept. 26, 2024, 138 Stat. 1536.)

§ 1984. Agreements with Federated States of Micronesia

(a) Law enforcement assistance

(1) In general

Pursuant to sections 222 and 224 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, the United States shall provide nonreimbursable technical and training assistance, as appropriate, including training and equipment for postal inspection of illicit drugs and other contraband, to enable the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia—

(A) to develop and adequately enforce laws of the Federated States of Micronesia; and

(B) to cooperate with the United States in the enforcement of criminal laws of the United States.

(2) Use of appropriated funds

(b) United States appointees to Joint Economic Management Committee

(1) In general

The 3 United States appointees (which are composed of the United States chair and 2 other members from the Government of the United States) to the Joint Economic Management Committee established under section 213 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact (referred to in this subsection as the “Committee”) shall—

(A) be voting members of the Committee; and

(B) continue to be officers or employees of the Federal Government.

(2) Term; appointment

The 3 United States members of the Committee described in paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term of 2 years as follows:

(A) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.

(B) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.

(C) 1 member shall be appointed by the Interagency Group on Freely Associated States established under section 1987(d)(1) of this title.

(3) Reappointment

(4) Qualifications

Not fewer than 2 United States members of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) shall be individuals who—

(A) by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, grant administration, program management, or international economics; and

(B) possess not less than 5 years of full-time experience in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, grant administration, program management, or international economics.

(5) Notice

(A) In general

(B) Requirement

For purposes of a statement required under subparagraph (A)—

(i) in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of State on request of the Secretary of the Interior; and

(ii) in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Interagency Group on Freely Associated States established under section 1987(d)(1) of this title on request of the Secretary of the Interior.

(6) Reports to Congress

(7) Notice to Congress

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia submits to the Committee a report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—

(A) if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or

(B) if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.

(1) In general

(2) Term; appointment

The 3 United States members of the Committee described in paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term not more than 2 years as follows:

(A) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State.

(B) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.

(3) Reappointment

(4) Qualifications

Not fewer than 2 members of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) shall be individuals who—

(A) by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, financial investment, grant administration, program management, or international economics; and

(B) possess not less than 5 years of full-time experience in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, financial investment, grant administration, program management, or international economics.

(5) Notice

(A) In general

(B) Requirement

For purposes of a statement required under subparagraph (A)—

(ii) in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of the Treasury on request of the Secretary of the Interior.

(6) Reports to Congress

(7) Notice to Congress

(A) if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or

(B) if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 205, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 424.)

§ 1985. Agreements with and other provisions related to the Republic of the Marshall Islands

(a) Law enforcement assistance

(1) In general

Pursuant to sections 222 and 224 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, the United States shall provide nonreimbursable technical and training assistance, as appropriate, including training and equipment for postal inspection of illicit drugs and other contraband, to enable the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands—

(A) to develop and adequately enforce laws of the Marshall Islands; and

(B) to cooperate with the United States in the enforcement of criminal laws of the United States.

(2) Use of appropriated funds

(b) Espousal provisions

(1) In general

Congress reaffirms that—

(A)section 1903(g)(1) of this title and section 1921b(e)(1) of this title provided that “It is the intention of the Congress of the United States that the provisions of section 177 of the Compact of Free Association and the Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands for the Implementation of Section 177 of the Compact (hereafter in this subsection referred to as the ‘Section 177 Agreement’) constitute a full and final settlement of all claims described in Articles X and XI of the Section 177 Agreement, and that any such claims be terminated and barred except insofar as provided for in the Section 177 Agreement.”; and

(B)section 1903(g)(2) of this title and section 1921b(e)(2) of this title provided that “In furtherance of the intention of Congress as stated in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Section 177 Agreement is hereby ratified and approved. It is the explicit understanding and intent of Congress that the jurisdictional limitations set forth in Article XII of such Agreement are enacted solely and exclusively to accomplish the objective of Article X of such Agreement and only as a clarification of the effect of Article X, and are not to be construed or implemented separately from Article X.”.

(2) Effect

Congress reaffirms that—

(1) Article IX of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands for the Implementation of Section 177 of the Compact of Free Association, done at Majuro June 25, 1983, provided that “If loss or damage to property and person of the citizens of the Marshall Islands, resulting from the Nuclear Testing Program, arises or is discovered after the effective date of this Agreement, and such injuries were not and could not reasonably have been identified as of the effective date of this Agreement, and if such injuries render the provisions of this Agreement manifestly inadequate, the Government of the Marshall Islands may request that the Government of the United States provide for such injuries by submitting such a request to the Congress of the United States for its consideration. It is understood that this Article does not commit the Congress of the United States to authorize and appropriate funds.”; and

(2) section 3(a) of Article XIII of the agreement described in paragraph (1) provided that “The Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands shall consult at the request of either of them on matters relating to the provisions of this Agreement.”.

(d) United States appointees to Joint Economic Management and Financial Accountability Committee

(1) In general

The 2 United States appointees (which are composed of the United States chair and 1 other member from the Government of the United States) to the Joint Economic Management and Financial Accountability Committee established under section 214 of the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact (referred to in this subsection as the “Committee”) shall—

(A) be voting members of the Committee; and

(B) continue to be officers or employees of the Federal Government.

(2) Term; appointment

The 2 United States members of the Committee described in paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term of 2 years as follows:

(A) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.

(B) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.

(3) Reappointment

(4) Qualifications

At least 1 United States member of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) shall be an individual who—

(A) by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, is especially qualified in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, grant administration, program management, or international economics; and

(B) possesses not less than 5 years of full-time experience in accounting, auditing, budget analysis, compliance, grant administration, program management, or international economics.

(5) Notice

(A) In general

(B) Requirement

(6) Reports to Congress

(7) Notice to Congress

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands submits to the Committee a report required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—

(A) if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or

(B) if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.

(e) United States appointees to Trust Fund Committee

(1) In general

(2) Term; appointment

The 3 United States members of the Committee described in paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term not more than 5 years as follows:

(A) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of State.

(B) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.

(3) Reappointment

(4) Qualifications

Not fewer than 2 members of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2) shall be individuals who—

(5) Notice

(A) In general

(B) Requirement

For purposes of a statement required under subparagraph (A)—

(ii) in the case of a member appointed under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary of the Interior shall compile information on the member provided to the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of the Treasury on request of the Secretary of the Interior.

(6) Reports to Congress

(7) Notice to Congress

(A) if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or

(B) if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.

(f) Four Atoll Health Care Program

Congress reaffirms that—

(1)section 1903(j)(1) of this title and section 1921b(h)(1) of this title provided that services “provided by the United States Public Health Service or any other United States agency pursuant to section 1(a) of Article II of the Agreement for the Implementation of Section 177 of the Compact (hereafter in this subsection referred to as the ‘Section 177 Agreement’) shall be only for services to the people of the Atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrik who were affected by the consequences of the United States nuclear testing program, pursuant to the program described in Public Law 95–134 and Public Law 96–205 and their descendants (and any other persons identified as having been so affected if such identification occurs in the manner described in such public laws). Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as prejudicial to the views or policies of the Government of the Marshall Islands as to the persons affected by the consequences of the United States nuclear testing program.”;

(2)section 1903(j)(2) of this title and section 1921b(h)(2) of this title provided that “at the end of the first year after the effective date of the Compact and at the end of each year thereafter, the providing agency or agencies shall return to the Government of the Marshall Islands any unexpended funds to be returned to the Fund Manager (as described in Article I of the Section 177 Agreement) to be covered into the Fund to be available for future use.”; and

(3)section 1903(j)(3) of this title and section 1921b(h)(3) of this title provided that “the Fund Manager shall retain the funds returned by the Government of the Marshall Islands pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, shall invest and manage such funds, and at the end of 15 years after the effective date of the Compact, shall make from the total amount so retained and the proceeds thereof annual disbursements sufficient to continue to make payments for the provision of health services as specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection to such extent as may be provided in contracts between the Government of the Marshall Islands and appropriate United States providers of such health services.”.

(g) Radiological health care program

(h) Agricultural and food programs

(1) In general

Congress reaffirms that—

(A)section 1903(h)(2) of this title and section 1921b(f)(2)(A) of this title provided that notwithstanding “any other provision of law, upon the request of the Government of the Marshall Islands, for the first fifteen years after the effective date of the Compact, the President (either through an appropriate department or agency of the United States or by contract with a United States firm or by a grant to the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands which may further contract only with a United States firm or a Republic of the Marshall Islands firm, the owners, officers and majority of the employees of which are citizens of the United States or the Republic of the Marshall Islands) shall provide technical and other assistance without reimbursement, to continue the planting and agricultural maintenance program on Enewetak; without reimbursement, to continue the food programs of the Bikini, Rongelap, Utrik, and Enewetak people described in section 1(d) of Article II of the Subsidiary Agreement for the Implementation of Section 177 of the Compact and for continued waterborne transportation of agricultural products to Enewetak including operations and maintenance of the vessel used for such purposes.”;

(B)section 1903(h)(2) of this title and section 1921b(f)(2)(B) of this title provided that “The President shall ensure the assistance provided under these programs reflects the changes in the population since the inception of such programs.”; and

(C)section 1903(h)(3) of this title and section 1921b(f)(3) of this title provided that “payments under this subsection shall be provided to such extent or in such amounts as are necessary for services and other assistance provided pursuant to this subsection. It is the sense of Congress that after the periods of time specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, consideration will be given to such additional funding for these programs as may be necessary.”.

(2) Planting and agricultural maintenance program

(3) Food programs

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 206, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 427.)

§ 1986. Agreements with and other provisions related to the Republic of Palau

(a) Bilateral economic consultations

(b) Economic Advisory Group

(1) Qualifications

(2) FundsWith respect to the Advisory Group, the Secretary of the Interior may use available funds for—

(A) the costs of the 2 members of the Advisory Group designated by the United States in accordance with Article 7 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement;

(B) 50 percent of the costs of the 5th member of the Advisory Group designated by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the Article described in subparagraph (A); and

(i) technical and administrative assistance for the Advisory Group; and

(ii) other support necessary for the Advisory Group to accomplish the purpose of the Advisory Group.

(3) Reports to Congress

(1) In general

(2) Notice to CongressNot later than 90 days after the date on which the Government of the Republic of Palau submits a report required under the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—

(A) if the report is submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice attesting that the report is complete and accurate; or

(B) if the report is not submitted by the applicable deadline, written notice that the report has not been timely submitted.

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 207, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 433.)

§ 1987. Oversight provisions

(a) Authorities and duties of the Comptroller General of the United States

(1) In generalThe Comptroller General of the United States (including any duly authorized representative of the Comptroller General of the United States) shall have the authorities necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Comptroller General of the United States under—

(A) the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and related subsidiary agreements, including the authorities and privileges described in section 1921a(b) of this title;

(B) the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and related subsidiary agreements, including the authorities and privileges described in section 1921b(k) of this title; and

(C) the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, related subsidiary agreements, and the authorities described in appendix D of the “Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau Following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review” signed by the United States and the Republic of Palau on September 3, 2010.

(2) ReportsNot later than 18 months after March 9, 2024, and every 4 years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report with respect to the Freely Associated States, including addressing—

(A) the topics described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of section 1921c(h)(1) of this title, except that for purposes of a report submitted under this paragraph, the report shall address those topics with respect to each of the Freely Associated States; and

(B) the effectiveness of administrative oversight by the United States of the Freely Associated States.

(b) Secretary of the Interior oversight authorityThe Secretary of the Interior shall have the authority necessary to fulfill the responsibilities for monitoring and managing the funds appropriated to the Compact of Free Association account of the Department of the Interior by section 1990(a) of this title to carry out—

(1) the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(2) the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(3) the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement; and

(4) subsidiary agreements.

(c) Postmaster General oversight authorityThe Postmaster General shall have the authority necessary to fulfill the responsibilities for monitoring and managing the funds appropriated to the United States Postal Service under paragraph (1) of section 1990(b) of this title and deposited in the Postal Service Fund under paragraph (2)(A) of that section to carry out—

(1) section 221(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(2) section 221(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(3) section 221(a)(2) of the U.S.-Palau Compact; and

(4) Article 6(a) of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.

(d) Interagency Group on Freely Associated States

(1) Establishment

(2) PurposeThe purposes of the Interagency Group are—

(A) to coordinate development and implementation of executive branch policies, programs, services, and other activities in or relating to the Freely Associated States; and

(B) to provide policy guidance, recommendations, and oversight to Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities with respect to the implementation of—

(i) the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(ii) the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact; and

(iii) the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.

(3) MembershipThe Interagency Group shall consist of—

(A) the Secretary of State, who shall serve as co-chair of the Interagency Group;

(B) the Secretary of the Interior, who shall serve as co-chair of the Interagency Group;

(D) the Secretary of the Treasury;

(E) the heads of relevant Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities carrying out obligations under—

(i) sections 131 and 132 of the 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and subsections (a) and (b) of section 221 and section 261 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(ii) sections 131 and 132 of the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and subsections (a) and (b) of section 221 and section 261 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(iii) sections 131 and 132 and subsections (a) and (b) of section 221 of the U.S.-Palau Compact;

(iv) Article 6 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement;

(v) any applicable subsidiary agreement; and

(vi)section 1988 of this title; and

(F) the head of any other Federal agency, department, or instrumentality that the Secretary of State or the Secretary of the Interior may designate.

(4) Duties of Secretary of State and Secretary of the InteriorThe Secretary of State (or a senior official designee of the Secretary of State) and the Secretary of the Interior (or a senior official designee of the Secretary of the Interior) shall—

(A) co-lead and preside at a meeting of the Interagency Group not less frequently than annually;

(B) determine, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the agenda for meetings of the Interagency Group; and

(5) Duties of the Interagency GroupThe Interagency Group shall—

(A) provide advice on the establishment or implementation of policies relating to the Freely Associated States to the President, acting through the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, in the form of a written report not less frequently than annually;

(B) obtain information and advice relating to the Freely Associated States from the Presidents, other elected officials, and members of civil society of the Freely Associated States, including through the members of the Interagency Group (including senior official designees of the members) meeting not less frequently than annually with any Presidents of the Freely Associated States who elect to participate;

(C) at the request of the head of any Federal agency (or a senior official designee of the head of a Federal agency) who is a member of the Interagency Group, promptly review and provide advice on a policy or policy implementation action affecting 1 or more of the Freely Associated States proposed by the Federal agency, department, or instrumentality; and

(D) facilitate coordination of relevant policies, programs, initiatives, and activities involving 1 or more of the Freely Associated States, including ensuring coherence and avoiding duplication between programs, initiatives, and activities conducted pursuant to a Compact with a Freely Associated State and non-Compact programs, initiatives, and activities.

(6) Reports

(e) Federal agency coordination

(f) Foreign loans or debtCongress reaffirms that—

(1) the foreign loans or debt of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Government of the Republic of Palau shall not constitute an obligation of the United States; and

(2) the full faith and credit of the United States Government shall not be pledged for the payment and performance of any foreign loan or debt referred to in paragraph (1) without specific further authorization.

(g) Compact compilation

(h) Publication; Revision by Office of the Law Revision Counsel

(1) PublicationIn publishing this title 1

1 See References in Text note below.

in slip form and in the United States Statutes at Large pursuant to section 112 of title 1, the Archivist of the United States shall include after the date of approval at the end an appendix setting forth the text of—

(A) the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact; and

(B) the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact.

(2) Revision by Office of the Law Revision CounselThe Office of the Law Revision Counsel is directed to revise—

(A) the 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact set forth in the note following section 1921 of title 48 to reflect the amendments to the 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact made by the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact; and

(B) the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact set forth in the note following section 1921 of title 48 to reflect the amendments to the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact made by the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact.

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 208, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 434.)

§ 1988. United States policy regarding the Freely Associated States

(a) Authorization for veterans’ services

(1) Definition of Freely Associated StatesIn this subsection, the term “Freely Associated States” means—

(A) the Federated States of Micronesia, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–239; 48 U.S.C. 1901 note);

(B) the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association set forth in section 201 of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–239; 48 U.S.C. 1901 note); and

(C) the Republic of Palau, during such time as it is a party to the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau set forth in section 201 of Joint Resolution entitled “Joint Resolution to approve the ‘Compact of Free Association’ between the United States and the Government of Palau, and for other purposes” (Public Law 99–658; 48 U.S.C. 1931 note).

(2), (3) Omitted

(4) Legal issues

(A) Agreements to furnish care and services

(i) In generalBefore delivering hospital care or medical services under subsection (f) of section 1724 of title 38, as added by paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall enter into agreements with the governments of the Freely Associated States to—(I) facilitate the furnishing of health services, including telehealth, under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans in the Freely Associated States, such as by addressing—(aa) licensure, certification, registration, and tort issues relating to health care personnel;(bb) the scope of health services the Secretary may furnish, as well as the means for furnishing such services; and(cc) matters relating to delivery of pharmaceutical products and medical surgical products, including delivery of such products through the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to the Freely Associated States;(II) clarify the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay for tort claims as set forth under subparagraph (C); and(III) clarify authority and responsibility on any other matters determined relevant by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the governments of the Freely Associated States.

(ii) Scope of agreements

(iii) Report to Congress(I) In general(II) Appropriate committees of Congress definedIn this clause, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—(aa) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate; and(bb) the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.

(B) Omitted

(5) Outreach and assessment of optionsDuring the 1-year period beginning on March 9, 2024, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, subject to the availability of appropriations—

(A) conduct robust outreach to, and engage with, each government of the Freely Associated States;

(B) assess options for the delivery of care through the use of authorities provided pursuant to the amendments made by this subsection; and

(b) Authorization of education programs

(1) EligibilityFor fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Government of the United States shall—

(A) continue to make available to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, grants for services to individuals eligible for such services under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.) to the extent that those services continue to be available to individuals in the United States;

(B) continue to make available to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands and make available to the Republic of Palau, competitive grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), and part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1450 et seq.), to the extent that those grants continue to be available to State and local governments in the United States;

(C) continue to make grants available to the Republic of Palau under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.), the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 U.S.C. 3271 et seq.), and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.);

(D) continue to make available to eligible institutions of higher education in the Republic of Palau and make available to eligible institutions of higher education in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands and to students enrolled in those institutions of higher education, and to students who are citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau and enrolled in institutions of higher education in the United States and territories of the United States, grants under—

(i) subpart 1 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.);

(ii) subpart 3 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq.); and

(iii) part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087–51 et seq.);

(E) require, as a condition of eligibility for a public institution of higher education in any State (as defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003)) that is not a Freely Associated State to participate in or receive funds under any program under title IV of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), that the institution charge students who are citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau tuition for attendance at a rate that is not greater than the rate charged for residents of the State in which such public institution of higher education is located; and

(F) continue to make available, to eligible institutions of higher education, secondary schools, and nonprofit organizations in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, competitive grants under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).

(2) Other formula grants

(3) to (6) Omitted

(7) Coordination requiredThe Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as applicable, shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate with the 3 United States appointees to the Joint Economic Management Committee described in section 1984(b)(1) of this title and the 2 United States appointees to the Joint Economic Management and Financial Accountability Committee described in section 1985(d)(1) of this title to avoid duplication of economic assistance for education provided under section 261(a)(1) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact or section 261(a)(1) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact of activities or services provided under—

(A) the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.);

(B) subpart 3 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq.); or

(1) Department of defense medical facilities

(2) Participation by secondary schools in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Student Testing Program

(d) Judicial training

(e) Eligibility for the Republic of Palau

(1) National Health Service Corps

(2) Additional programs and services

(3) Programs and services of certain agenciesIn addition to the programs and services set forth in the operative Federal Programs and Services Agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau, the programs and services of the following agencies shall be made available to the Republic of Palau:

(A) The Legal Services Corporation.

(B) The Public Health Service.

(f) Omitted

(g) Consultation with International Financial Institutions

(h) Omitted

(i) Establishment of a unit for the Freely Associated States in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Department of State and increasing personnel focused on Oceania

(1) Definition of appropriate congressional committees

(2) RequirementsThe Secretary of State shall—

(A) assign additional full-time equivalent personnel to the Office of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island Affairs of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Department of State, including to the unit established under subparagraph (B), as the Secretary of State determines to be appropriate, in accordance with paragraph (4)(A); and

(B) establish a unit in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Department of State to carry out the functions described in paragraph (3).

(3) Functions of unitThe unit established under paragraph (2)(B) shall be responsible for the following:

(A) Managing the bilateral and regional relations with the Freely Associated States.

(B) Supporting the Secretary of State in leading negotiations relating to the Compacts of Free Association with the Freely Associated States.

(C) Coordinating, in consultation with the Department of the Interior, the Department of Defense, and other interagency partners as appropriate, implementation of the Compacts of Free Association with the Freely Associated States.

(4) Full-time equivalent employees

(A) not later than 5 years after March 9, 2024, assign to the Office of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island Affairs of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, including to the unit established under paragraph (2)(B), not less than 4 additional full-time equivalent staff, who shall not be dual-hatted, including by considering—

(i) the use of existing flexible hiring authorities, including Domestic Employees Teleworking Overseas (DETOs); and

(ii) the realignment of existing personnel, including from the United States Mission in Australia, as appropriate;

(B) reduce the number of vacant foreign service positions in the Pacific Island region by establishing an incentive program within the Foreign Service for overseas positions related to the Pacific Island region; and

(C) report to the appropriate congressional committees on progress toward objectives outlined in this subsection beginning 1 year from March 9, 2024, and annually thereafter for 5 years.

(j) Omitted

(k) Continuing Trust Territory authorizationThe authorization provided by the Act of June 30, 1954 (68 Stat. 330, chapter 423), shall remain available after the effective date of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact with respect to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands for transition purposes, including—

(1) completion of projects and fulfillment of commitments or obligations;

(2) termination of the Trust Territory Government and termination of the High Court;

(3) health and education as a result of exceptional circumstances;

(4) ex gratia contributions for the populations of Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrik; and

(5) technical assistance and training in financial management, program administration, and maintenance of infrastructure.

(l) Omitted

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 209, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 438.)

§ 1989. Additional authorities

(a) Agencies, departments, and instrumentalities

(1) In general

(2) Obligations, services, and programs described

The obligations, services, and programs referred to in paragraphs (1) and (3) are the obligations, services, and programs under—

(A) sections 131 and 132, paragraphs (1) and (3) through (6) of section 221(a), and section 221(b) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(B) sections 131 and 132, paragraphs (1) and (3) through (6) of section 221(a), and section 221(b) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(D) Article 6 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement;

(E) with respect to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, any applicable Federal programs and services agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau; and

(F)section 1988 of this title.

(3) Authority

The heads of the Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities to which appropriations are made available under paragraph (1) as well as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall—

(A) have the authority to carry out any activities that are necessary to fulfill the obligations, services, and programs described in paragraph (2); and

(B) use available funds to carry out the activities under subparagraph (A).

(b) Additional assistance

Any assistance provided pursuant to section 1921d(j) of this title (as amended by section 209(j)) and sections 1984(a), 1985(a), 1986(b), and 1988 of this title shall be in addition to and not charged against any amounts to be paid to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau pursuant to—

(1) the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(2) the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact;

(3) the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement; or

(4) any related subsidiary agreement.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 109 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921h)—

(1) remaining balances appropriated to carry out sections 211, 212(b), 215, and 217 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, shall be programmed pursuant to Article IX of the 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement; and

(2) remaining balances appropriated to carry out sections 211, 213(b), 216, and 218 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, shall be programmed pursuant to Article XI of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement.

(d) Grants

Notwithstanding any other provision of law—

(1) contributions under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, and the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact may be provided as grants for purposes of implementation of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, and the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact under the laws of the United States; and

(2) funds appropriated pursuant to section 1990 of this title may be deposited in interest-bearing accounts and any interest earned may be retained in and form part of those accounts for use consistent with the purpose of the deposit.

(e) Rule of construction

Except as specifically provided, nothing in this subchapter or the amendments made by this title 1

1 See References in Text note below.

amends the following:

(1) Title I of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).

(2) Title I of Public Law 99–658 (48 U.S.C. 1931 et seq.).

(3) Title I of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.).

(4) Section 1259C of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (48 U.S.C. 1931 note; Public Law 115–91).

(5) The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141; 132 Stat. 635).

(f) Clarification relating to appropriated funds

Notwithstanding section 109 of the Compacts 2

2 So in original. Probably should be “Compact”.

of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921h)—

(1) funds appropriated by that section and deposited into the RMI Compact Trust Fund shall be governed by the 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement;

(2) funds appropriated by that section and deposited into the FSM Compact Trust Fund shall be governed by the 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement;

(3) funds appropriated by that section and made available for fiscal year 2024 or any fiscal year thereafter as grants to carry out the purposes of section 211(b) of the 2003 U.S.-RMI Amended Compact shall be subject to the provisions of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement;

(4) funds appropriated by that section and made available for fiscal year 2024 or any fiscal year thereafter as grants to carry out the purposes of section 221 of the 2003 U.S.-RMI Amended Compact shall be subject to the provisions of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement, except as modified in the Federal Programs and Services Agreement in force between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and

(5) funds appropriated by that section and made available for fiscal year 2024 or any fiscal year thereafter as grants to carry out the purposes of section 221 of the 2003 U.S.-FSM Amended Compact shall be subject to the provisions of the 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement on entry into force of the 2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement, except as modified in the 2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and Services Agreement.

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 210, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 448; Pub. L. 118–83, div. B, title I, § 110(b)(2), Sept. 26, 2024, 138 Stat. 1536.)

§ 1990. Compact appropriations

(a) Funding for activities of the Secretary of the Interior

For the period of fiscal years 2024 through 2043, there are appropriated to the Compact of Free Association account of the Department of the Interior, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to remain available until expended, the amounts described in and to carry out the purposes of—

(1) sections 261, 265, and 266 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact;

(2) sections 261, 265, and 266 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact; and

(3) Articles 1, 2, and 3 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.

(b) Funding for activities of the United States Postal Service

(1) Appropriation

There is appropriated to the United States Postal Service, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2043, $31,700,000, to remain available until expended, to carry out the costs of the following provisions that are not otherwise funded:

(A) Section 221(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact.

(B) Section 221(a)(2) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact.

(D) Article 6(a) of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement.

(2) Deposit

(A) In general

(B) Requirement

(d) Treatment of previously appropriated amounts

(Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, § 211, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 450.)