The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Pacific Partnership Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, aimed at increasing U.S. engagement with Pacific partners. The bill requires the president to develop and submit an annual Strategy for Pacific Partnership that includes goals for U.S. engagement in the region, assessing threats and pressures and outlining a plan to address them in consultation with Pacific Islands nations.
The measure extends diplomatic immunities to members of the Pacific Islands Forum and calls for consultation and coordination with Pacific partners and allies regarding assistance programs. It also aims to counter threats from China by building effective relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
The bill has received bipartisan support and has been approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Delegates from the Pacific Islands have highlighted the importance of the United States engaging more fully with the region.
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif, emphasized the importance of countering Chinese aggression through diplomatic, strategic, and economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific. The Pacific Partnership Act has now moved to the Senate for further review and approval.
Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the United States’ partnerships with Pacific Island nations, address regional threats and pressures, and support the ongoing security and prosperity of the region.
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