[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 48 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES. 48
To approve the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact, and
related agreements, between the Government of the United States of
America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the
2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact, and certain related
agreements between the Government of the United States of America and
the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the 2023
U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement between the Government of the
United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau,
to appropriate funds to carry out the agreements, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 2, 2023
Mr. Manchin (for himself, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Risch, Ms.
Hirono, and Mr. Boozman) introduced the following joint resolution;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
To approve the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact, and
related agreements, between the Government of the United States of
America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, the
2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact, and certain related
agreements between the Government of the United States of America and
the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the 2023
U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement between the Government of the
United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Palau,
to appropriate funds to carry out the agreements, and for other
purposes.
Whereas 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;
Whereas 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;
Whereas 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);
Whereas 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;
Whereas, 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'';
Whereas, 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; and
Whereas, 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: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This joint resolution may be cited as the ``Compact of Free
Association Amendments Act of 2023''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this joint resolution:
(1) 1986 compact.--The term ``1986 Compact'' means the
Compact of Free Association between the Government of the
United States and the Governments of the Marshall Islands and
the Federated States of Micronesia set forth in section 201 of
the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1901
note; Public Law 99-239).
(2) 2003 amended u.s.-fsm compact.--The term ``2003 Amended
U.S.-FSM Compact'' means the Compact of Free Association
amending the 1986 Compact entitled 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'' set forth in section 201(a) of the Compact of Free
Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921 note; Public
Law 108-188).
(3) 2003 amended u.s.-rmi compact.--The term ``2003 Amended
U.S.-RMI Compact'' means the Compact of Free Association
amending the 1986 Compact entitled ``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'' set forth in section 201(b) of the Compact
of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921
note; Public Law 108-188).
(4) 2023 agreement to amend the u.s.-fsm compact.--The term
``2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact'' means the
Agreement between the Government of the United States of
America and the Government of the Federated States of
Micronesia to Amend the Compact of Free Association, as
Amended, done at Palikir May 23, 2023.
(5) 2023 agreement to amend the u.s.-rmi compact.--The term
``2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact'' means the
Agreement between the Government of the United States of
America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall
Islands to Amend the Compact of Free Association, as Amended,
done at Honolulu October 16, 2023.
(6) 2023 amended u.s.-fsm compact.--The term ``2023 Amended
U.S.-FSM Compact'' means the 2003 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, as
amended by the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM Compact.
(7) 2023 amended u.s.-rmi compact.--The term ``2023 Amended
U.S.-RMI Compact'' means the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, as
amended by the 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact.
(8) 2023 u.s.-fsm federal programs and services
agreement.--The term ``2023 U.S.-FSM Federal Programs and
Services Agreement'' means the 2023 Federal Programs and
Services Agreement between the Government of the United States
of America and the Government of the Federated States of
Micronesia, done at Washington September 28, 2023.
(9) 2023 u.s.-fsm fiscal procedures agreement.--The term
``2023 U.S.-FSM Fiscal Procedures Agreement'' means the
Agreement Concerning Procedures for the Implementation of
United States Economic Assistance provided in the 2023 Amended
U.S.-FSM Compact between the Government of the United States of
America and the Government of the Federated States of
Micronesia, done at Palikir May 23, 2023.
(10) 2023 u.s.-fsm trust fund agreement.--The term ``2023
U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement'' means the Agreement between the
Government of the United States of America and the Government
of the Federated States of Micronesia Regarding the Compact
Trust Fund, done at Palikir May 23, 2023.
(11) 2023 u.s.-palau compact review agreement.--The term
``2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement'' means 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,
done at Port Moresby May 22, 2023.
(12) 2023 u.s.-rmi fiscal procedures agreement.--The term
``2023 U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement'' means the
Agreement Concerning Procedures for the Implementation of
United States Economic Assistance Provided in the 2023 Amended
Compact Between the Government of the United States of America
and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
done at Honolulu October 16, 2023.
(13) 2023 u.s.-rmi trust fund agreement.--The term ``2023
U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement'' means the Agreement between the
Government of the United States of America and the Government
of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Regarding the Compact
Trust Fund, done at Honolulu October 16, 2023.
(14) Appropriate committees of congress.--The 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;
(C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives; and
(D) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House
of Representatives.
(15) Freely associated states.--The term ``Freely
Associated States'' means--
(A) the Federated States of Micronesia;
(B) the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and
(C) the Republic of Palau.
(16) Subsidiary agreement.--The 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.
(C) The 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund 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 agreements 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.--The term ``U.S.-Palau Compact''
means the Compact of Free Association between the United States
and the Government of Palau set forth in section 201 of Public
Law 99-658 (48 U.S.C. 1931 note).
SEC. 3. 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.--The 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-FSM
Compact and the 2023 U.S.-FSM Trust Fund Agreement, as
submitted to Congress on June 15, 2023, are approved and
incorporated by reference.
(2) Consent of congress.--Congress 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.--Notwithstanding section 101(f)
of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48
U.S.C. 1921(f)), the President is authorized to bring into
force and implement the agreements described in paragraphs (1)
and (2).
(b) Republic of the Marshall Islands.--
(1) Approval.--The 2023 Agreement to Amend the U.S.-RMI
Compact and the 2023 U.S.-RMI Trust Fund Agreement, as
submitted to Congress on October 17, 2023, are approved and
incorporated by reference.
(2) Consent of congress.--Congress consents to the 2023
U.S.-RMI Fiscal Procedures Agreement, as submitted to Congress
on October 17, 2023.
(3) Authority of president.--Notwithstanding section 101(f)
of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48
U.S.C. 1921(f)), the President is authorized to bring into
force and implement the agreements described in paragraphs (1)
and (2).
(c) Republic of Palau.--
(1) Approval.--The 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review
Agreement, as submitted to Congress on June 15, 2023, is
approved.
(2) Authority of president.--The President is authorized to
bring into force and implement the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact
Review Agreement.
(d) Amendments, Changes, or Termination to Compacts and Certain
Agreements.--
(1) In general.--Any amendment to, change to, or
termination of all or any part of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM
Compact, 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or the U.S.-Palau
Compact, by mutual agreement or unilateral action of the
Government of the United States, shall not enter into force
until the date on which Congress has incorporated the
applicable amendment, change, or termination into an Act of
Congress.
(2) Additional actions and agreements.--In 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;
(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.--An 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--
(1) the agreement to amend, change, or terminate the
subsidiary agreement;
(2) an explanation of the amendment, change, or
termination;
(3) a description of the reasons for the amendment, change,
or termination; and
(4) 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--
(A) the necessity of the amendment, change, or
termination; and
(B) any impacts of the amendment, change, or
termination.
SEC. 4. 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.--Funds appropriated pursuant
to subsection (j) of section 105 of the Compact of Free
Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d) (as
amended by section 8(j)) may be used in accordance with section
102(a) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of
2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921a(a)).
(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 7(d)(1).
(3) Reappointment.--A United States member of the Committee
appointed under paragraph (2) may be reappointed for not more
than 2 additional 2-year terms.
(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.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of appointment of a United States member of the
Committee under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the
Interior shall notify the appropriate committees of
Congress that an individual has been appointed as a
voting member of the Committee under that paragraph,
including a statement prepared by the Secretary of the
Interior attesting to the qualifications of the member
described in paragraph (4), subject to subparagraph
(B).
(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
7(d)(1) on request of the Secretary of the
Interior.
(6) Reports to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which the Committee receives or completes any report
required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, or any
related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior
shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of
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.
(c) United States Appointees to Joint Trust Fund Committee.--
(1) In general.--The 3 United States voting members (which
are composed of the United States chair and 2 other members
from the Government of the United States) to the Joint Trust
Fund Committee established pursuant to the agreement described
in section 462(b)(5) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact
(referred to in this subsection as the ``Committee'') shall
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 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.
(C) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of
the Treasury.
(3) Reappointment.--A United States member of the Committee
appointed under paragraph (2) may be reappointed for not more
than 2 additional 2-year terms.
(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.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of appointment of a United States member to the
Committee under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the
Interior shall notify the appropriate committees of
Congress that an individual has been appointed as a
voting member of the Committee under that paragraph,
including a statement attesting to the qualifications
of the member described in paragraph (4), subject to
subparagraph (B).
(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 Secretary of the Treasury on
request of the Secretary of the Interior.
(6) Reports to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which the Committee receives or completes any report
required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact, or any
related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior
shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of
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.
SEC. 5. 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.--Funds appropriated pursuant
to subsection (j) of section 105 of the Compact of Free
Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d) (as
amended by section 8(j)) may be used in accordance with section
103(a) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of
2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(a)).
(b) Espousal Provisions.--
(1) In general.--Congress reaffirms that--
(A) section 103(g)(1) of the Compact of Free
Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(g)(1)) and
section 103(e)(1) of the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(e)(1)) 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 103(g)(2) of the Compact of Free
Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(g)(2)) and
section 103(e)(2) of the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(e)(2)) 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.--Nothing in the 2023 Agreement to Amend the
U.S.-RMI Compact affects the application of the provisions of
law reaffirmed by paragraph (1).
(c) Certain Section 177 Agreement Provisions.--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.--A United States member of the Committee
appointed under paragraph (2) may be reappointed for not more
than 2 additional 2-year terms.
(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.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of appointment of a United States member under
paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall
notify the appropriate committees of Congress that an
individual has been appointed as a voting member of the
Committee under that paragraph, including a statement
attesting to the qualifications of the member described
in paragraph (4), subject to subparagraph (B).
(B) Requirement.--For purposes of a statement
required under subparagraph (A), 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.
(6) Reports to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which the Committee receives or completes any report
required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or any
related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior
shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of
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.--The 3 United States voting members (which
are composed of the United States chair and 2 other members
from the Government of the United States) to the Trust Fund
Committee established pursuant to the agreement described in
section 462(b)(5) of the 2003 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact
(referred to in this subsection as the ``Committee'') shall
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 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.
(C) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary of
the Treasury.
(3) Reappointment.--A United States member of the Committee
appointed under paragraph (2) may be reappointed for not more
than 2 additional 2-year terms.
(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.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of appointment of a United States Member under
paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall
notify the appropriate committees of Congress that an
individual has been appointed as a voting member of the
Committee under that paragraph, including a statement
attesting to the qualifications of the appointee
described in paragraph (4), subject to subparagraph
(B).
(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 Secretary of the Treasury on
request of the Secretary of the Interior.
(6) Reports to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which the Committee receives or completes any report
required under the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or any
related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary of the Interior
shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of
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.
(f) Four Atoll Health Care Program.--Congress reaffirms that--
(1) section 103(j)(1) of the Compact of Free Association
Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(j)(1)) and section 103(h)(1) of the
Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921b(h)(1)) 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 103(j)(2) of the Compact of Free Association
Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(j)(2)) and section 103(h)(2) of the
Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921b(h)(2)) 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 103(j)(3) of the Compact of Free Association
Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(j)(3)) and section 103(h)(3) of the
Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921b(h)(3)) 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.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, on the request of the Government of the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the President (through an appropriate department
or agency of the United States) shall continue to provide special
medical care and logistical support for the remaining members of the
population of Rongelap and Utrik who were exposed to radiation
resulting from the 1954 United States thermonuclear ``Bravo'' test,
pursuant to Public Law 95-134 (91 Stat. 1159) and Public Law 96-205 (94
Stat. 84).
(h) Agricultural and Food Programs.--
(1) In general.--Congress reaffirms that--
(A) section 103(h)(2) of the Compact of Free
Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(h)(2)) and
section 103(f)(2)(A) of the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(2)(A))
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 103(h)(2) of the Compact of Free
Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(h)(2)) and
section 103(f)(2)(B) of the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(2)(B))
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 103(h)(3) of the Compact of Free
Association Act of 1985 (48 U.S.C. 1903(h)(3)) and
section 103(f)(3) of the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(3)) 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.--The
Secretary of the Interior may provide grants to the Government
of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to carry out a planting
and agricultural maintenance program on Bikini, Enewetak,
Rongelap, and Utrik.
(3) Food programs.--The Secretary of Agriculture may
provide, without reimbursement, food programs to the people of
the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
SEC. 6. AGREEMENTS WITH AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE REPUBLIC OF
PALAU.
(a) Bilateral Economic Consultations.--United States participation
in the annual economic consultations referred to in Article 8 of the
2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement shall be by officers or
employees of the Federal Government.
(b) Economic Advisory Group.--
(1) Qualifications.--A member of the Economic Advisory
Group described in Article 7 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact
Review Agreement (referred to in this subsection as the
``Advisory Group'') who is appointed by the Secretary of the
Interior shall be an individual who, by reason of knowledge,
experience, or training, is especially qualified in private
sector business development, economic development, or national
development.
(2) Funds.--With 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
(C) the costs of--
(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.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which the Advisory Group receives or completes any
report required under the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review
Agreement, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary
of the Interior shall submit the report to the appropriate
committees of Congress.
(c) Reports to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on
which the Government of the Republic of Palau completes any
report required under the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review
Agreement, or any related subsidiary agreement, the Secretary
of the Interior shall submit the report to the appropriate
committees of Congress.
(2) Notice to congress.--Not 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.
SEC. 7. OVERSIGHT PROVISIONS.
(a) Authorities and Duties of the Comptroller General of the United
States.--
(1) In general.--The 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 102(b) of the Compact
of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921a(b));
(B) the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and related
subsidiary agreements, including the authorities and
privileges described in section 103(k) of the Compact
of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921b(k)); 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) Reports.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, 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 104(h)(1) of the Compact of Free
Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921c(h)(1)), 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 Authority.--The 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 10(a) 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 Authority.--The 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 10(b) 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.--The President, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Interior, and the
Secretary of Defense, shall establish an Interagency Group on
Freely Associated States (referred to in this subsection as the
``Interagency Group'').
(2) Purpose.--The 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) Membership.--The 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;
(C) the Secretary of Defense;
(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 8; 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
interior.--The 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
(C) facilitate and coordinate the work of the
Interagency Group.
(5) Duties of the interagency group.--The 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.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this joint resolution and each year thereafter in
which a Compact of Free Association with a Freely Associated
State is in effect, the President shall submit to the majority
leader and minority leader of the Senate, the Speaker and
minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the
appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes the
activities and recommendations of the Interagency Group during
the applicable year.
(e) Federal Agency Coordination.--The head of any Federal agency
providing programs and services to the Federated States of Micronesia,
the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau shall
coordinate with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of
State regarding the provision of the programs and services.
(f) Foreign Loans or Debt.--Congress 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.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this joint resolution, the Secretary of the Interior shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes
a compilation of the Compact of Free Association with the Federated
State of Micronesia, the Compact of Free Association with the Republic
of Palau, and the Compact of Free Association with Republic of the
Marshall Islands.
(h) Publication; Revision by the Office of the Law Revision
Counsel.--
(1) Publication.--In publishing this joint resolution in
slip form and in the United States Statutes at Large pursuant
to section 112 of title 1, United States Code, 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 the office of the law revision counsel.--
The 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, United
States Code, 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, United
States Code, to reflect the amendments to the 2003
Amended U.S.-RMI Compact made by the 2023 Agreement to
Amend the U.S.-RMI Compact.
SEC. 8. UNITED STATES POLICY REGARDING THE FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES.
(a) Authorization for Veterans' Services.--
(1) Definition of freely associated states.--In 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) Hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care
abroad.--Section 1724 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsections
(b) and (c)'' and inserting ``subsections (b), (c), and
(f)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(f)(1) The Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical
services in the Freely Associated States to a veteran who is otherwise
eligible to receive hospital care and medical services.
``(2) In furnishing hospital care and medical services under
paragraph (1), the Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical
services through--
``(A) contracts or other agreements;
``(B) reimbursement; or
``(C) the direct provision of care by health care personnel
of the Department.
``(3) In furnishing hospital care and medical services under
paragraph (1), the Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical
services for any condition regardless of whether the condition is
connected to the service of the veteran in the Armed Forces.
``(4)(A) A veteran who has received hospital care or medical
services in a country pursuant to this subsection shall remain
eligible, to the extent determined advisable and practicable by the
Secretary, for hospital care or medical services in that country
regardless of whether the country continues to qualify as a Freely
Associated State for purposes of this subsection.
``(B) If the Secretary determines it is no longer advisable or
practicable to allow veterans described in subparagraph (A) to remain
eligible for hospital care or medical services pursuant to such
subparagraph, the Secretary shall--
``(i) provide direct notice of that determination to such
veterans; and
``(ii) publish that determination and the reasons for that
determination in the Federal Register.
``(5) In 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).''.
(3) Beneficiary travel.--Section 111 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary
may make payments to or for any person traveling in, to, or from the
Freely Associated States for receipt of care or services authorized
under section 1724(f) of this title.
``(2) A person who has received payment for travel in a country
pursuant to this subsection shall remain eligible for payment for such
travel in that country regardless of whether the country continues to
qualify as a Freely Associated State for purposes of this subsection.
``(3) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this
subsection.
``(4) In 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).''.
(4) Legal issues.--
(A) Health services.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of State,
shall work with the governments of the Freely
Associated States to 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--
(i) licensure, certification, registration,
and tort issues relating to health care
personnel; and
(ii) 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.
(B) Licensure of health care professionals
providing treatment via telemedicine in the freely
associated states.--Section 1730C(a) of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``any
State'' and inserting ``any State or any of the Freely
Associated States (as defined in section 1724(f) of
this title)''.
(C) Payment of claims.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs may pay tort claims, in the manner authorized
in the first paragraph of section 2672 of title 28,
United States Code, when such claims arise in the
Freely Associated States in connection with furnishing
hospital care or medical services or providing medical
consultation or medical advice to a veteran under the
laws administered by the Secretary, including through a
remote or telehealth program.
(5) Outreach and assessment of options.--During the 1-year
period beginning on the date of enactment of this joint
resolution, 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
(C) increase staffing as necessary to conduct
outreach under subparagraph (A).
(b) Authorization of Education Programs.--
(1) Eligibility.--For 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.--Except as provided in paragraph
(1), the Secretary of Education shall not make a grant under
any formula grant program administered by the Department of
Education to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic
of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.
(3) Grants to the freely associated states under part b of
the individuals with disabilities education act.--Section
611(b)(1) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1411(b)(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (A)
and inserting the following:
``(A) Funds reserved.--From the amount appropriated
for any fiscal year under subsection (i), the Secretary
shall reserve not more than 1 percent, which shall be
used as follows:
``(i) To provide assistance to the outlying
areas in accordance with their respective
populations of individuals aged 3 through 21.
``(ii)(I) To provide each freely associated
State a grant so that no freely associated
State receives a lesser share of the total
funds reserved for the freely associated State
than the freely associated State received of
those funds for fiscal year 2023.
``(II) Each freely associated State shall
establish its eligibility under this
subparagraph consistent with the requirements
for a State under section 612.
``(III) The funds provided to each freely
associated State under this part may be used to
provide, to each infant or toddler with a
disability (as defined in section 632), either
a free appropriate public education, consistent
with section 612, or early intervention
services consistent with part C,
notwithstanding the application and eligibility
requirements of sections 634(2), 635, and
637.''.
(4) Technical amendments to the elementary and secondary
education act of 1965.--The Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended--
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) of section
1121(b)(1) (20 U.S.C. 6331(b)(1)(A)) and inserting the
following:
``(A) first reserve $1,000,000 for the Republic of
Palau, subject to such terms and conditions as the
Secretary may establish, except that Public Law 95-134,
permitting the consolidation of grants, shall not
apply; and''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (36) of section 8101 (20
U.S.C. 7801(36)) and inserting the following:
``(36) Outlying area.--The term `outlying area'--
``(A) means American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the United States
Virgin Islands; and
``(B) for the purpose of any discretionary grant
program under this Act, includes the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia,
and the Republic of Palau, to the extent that any such
grant program continues to be available to State and
local governments in the United States.''.
(5) Technical amendment to the compact of free association
amendments act of 2003.--Section 105(f)(1)(B) of the Compact of
Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921d(f)(1)(B)) is amended by striking clause (ix).
(6) Head start programs.--
(A) Definitions.--Section 637 of the Head Start Act
(42 U.S.C. 9832) is amended, in the paragraph defining
the term ``State'', by striking the second sentence and
inserting ``The term `State' includes the Federated
States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, and the Republic of Palau.''.
(B) Allotment of funds.--Section 640(a)(2)(B) of
the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(a)(2)(B)) is
amended--
(i) in clause (iv), by inserting ``the
Republic of Palau,'' before ``and the Virgin
Islands''; and
(ii) by striking clause (v) and inserting
the following:
``(v) if a base grant has been established
through appropriations for the Federated States
of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, to provide an amount for that
jurisdiction (for Head Start agencies
(including Early Head Start agencies) in the
jurisdiction) that is equal to the amount
provided for base grants for such jurisdiction
under this subchapter for the prior fiscal
year, by allotting to each agency described in
this clause an amount equal to that agency's
base grant for the prior fiscal year; and''.
(7) Coordination required.--The 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 4(b)(1) and the 2 United States appointees
to the Joint Economic Management and Financial Accountability
Committee described in section 5(d)(1) 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
(C) part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-51 et seq.).
(c) Authorization of Department of Defense Programs.--
(1) Department of defense medical facilities.--The
Secretary of Defense shall make available, on a space available
and reimbursable basis, the medical facilities of the
Department of Defense for use by citizens of the Federated
States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and
the Republic of Palau, who are properly referred to the
facilities by government authorities responsible for provision
of medical services in the Federated States of Micronesia, the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and
the affected jurisdictions (as defined in section 104(e)(2) of
the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48
U.S.C. 1921c(e)(2))).
(2) Participation by secondary schools in the armed
services vocational aptitude battery student testing program.--
It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense may
extend the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Student Testing Program and the ASVAB Career Exploration
Program to selected secondary schools in the Federated States
of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the
Republic of Palau to the extent such programs are available to
Department of Defense dependent secondary schools established
under section 2164 of title 10, United States Code, and located
outside the United States.
(d) Judicial Training.--In addition to amounts provided under
section 261(a)(4) of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact and the 2023
Amended U.S.-RMI Compact and under subsections (a) and (b) of Article 1
of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review Agreement, for each of fiscal
years 2024 through 2043, the Secretary of the Interior shall use the
amounts made available to the Secretary of the Interior under section
10(c) to train judges and officials of the judiciary in the Federated
States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the
Republic of Palau, in cooperation with the Pacific Islands Committee of
the judicial council of the ninth judicial circuit of the United
States.
(e) Eligibility for the Republic of Palau.--
(1) National health service corps.--The Secretary of Health
and Human Services shall make the services of the National
Health Service Corps available to the residents of the
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, and the Republic of Palau to the same extent, and for
the same duration, as services are authorized to be provided to
persons residing in any other areas within or outside the
United States.
(2) Additional programs and services.--The Republic of
Palau shall be eligible for the programs and services made
available to the Federated States of Micronesia and the
Republic of the Marshall Islands under section 108(a) of the
Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921g(a)).
(3) Programs and services of certain agencies.--In 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.
(C) The Rural Housing Service.
(f) Compact Impact Fairness.--
(1) In general.--Section 402 of the Personal Responsibility
and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612)
is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the
following:
``(N) Exception for citizens of freely associated
states.--With respect to eligibility for benefits for
any specified Federal program, paragraph (1) shall not
apply to any individual who lawfully resides in the
United States in accordance with section 141 of the
Compacts of Free Association between the Government of
the United States and the Governments of the Federated
States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, and the Republic of Palau.''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(2)(G)--
(i) in the subparagraph heading, by
striking ``medicaid exception for'' and
inserting ``exception for''; and
(ii) by striking ``the designated Federal
program defined in paragraph (3)(C) (relating
to the Medicaid program)'' and inserting ``any
designated Federal program''.
(2) Exception to 5-year wait requirement.--Section
403(b)(3) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613(b)(3)) is amended by
striking ``, but only with respect to the designated Federal
program defined in section 402(b)(3)(C)''.
(3) Definition of qualified alien.--Section 431(b)(8) of
the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation
Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1641(b)(8)) is amended by striking ``,
but only with respect to the designated Federal program defined
in section 402(b)(3)(C) (relating to the Medicaid program)''.
(g) Consultation With International Financial Institutions.--The
Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of State, shall consult with appropriate
officials of the Asian Development Bank and relevant international
financial institutions (as defined in section 1701(c) of the
International Financial Institutions Act (22 U.S.C. 262r(c))), as
appropriate, with respect to overall economic conditions in, and the
activities of other providers of assistance to, the Freely Associated
States.
(h) Chief of Mission.--Section 105(b) of the Compact of Free
Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d(b)) is amended by
striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Pursuant to section 207 of the Foreign Service Act of
1980 (22 U.S.C. 3927), all United States Government executive
branch employees in the Federated States of Micronesia, the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau
fall under the authority of the respective applicable chief of
mission, except for employees identified as excepted from the
authority under Federal law or by Presidential directive.''.
(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.--In
this subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional
committees'' means the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Requirements.--The 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 unit.--The 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.--The Secretary of State
shall--
(A) not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of this joint resolution, 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 the date of
enactment of this joint resolution and annually
thereafter for 5 years.
(j) Technical Assistance.--Section 105 of the Compact of Free
Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d) is amended by
striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:
``(j) Technical Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--Technical assistance may be provided
pursuant to section 224 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-FSM Compact,
section 224 of the 2023 Amended U.S.-RMI Compact, or section
222 of the U.S.-Palau Compact (as those terms are defined in
section 2 of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of
2023) by Federal agencies and institutions of the Government of
the United States to the extent the assistance shall be
provided to States, territories, or units of local government.
``(2) Historic preservation.--
``(A) In general.--Any technical assistance
authorized under paragraph (1) that is provided by the
Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the United
States Coast Guard, the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation, the Department of the Interior, or any
other Federal agency providing assistance under
division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States
Code, may be provided on a nonreimbursable basis.
``(B) Grants.--During the period in which the 2023
Amended U.S.-FSM Compact (as so defined) and the 2023
Amended U.S.-RMI Compact (as so defined) are in force,
the grant programs under division A of subtitle III of
title 54, United States Code, shall continue to apply
to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic
of the Marshall Islands in the same manner and to the
same extent as those programs applied prior to the
approval of the U.S.-FSM Compact and U.S.-RMI Compact.
``(3) Additional funds.--Any funds provided pursuant to
this subsection, subsections (c), (g), (h), (i), (k), (l), and
(m), section 102(a), and subsections (a), (b), (f), (g), (h),
and (j) of section 103 shall be in addition to, and not charged
against, any amounts to be paid to the Federated States of
Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands pursuant
to--
``(A) the U.S.-FSM Compact;
``(B) the U.S.-RMI Compact; or
``(C) any related subsidiary agreement.''.
(k) Continuing Trust Territory Authorization.--The 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) Technical Amendments.--
(1) Public health service act definition.--Section 2(f) of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201(f)) is amended by
striking ``and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands'' and
inserting ``the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau''.
(2) Compact impact amendments.--Section 104(e) of the
Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (48 U.S.C.
1921c(e)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``beginning in fiscal year 2003'' and inserting
``during the period of fiscal years 2003
through 2023''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``after fiscal year 2003'' and inserting ``for
the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2023'';
(B) by striking paragraph (5); and
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (10) as
paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively.
SEC. 9. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES.
(a) Agencies, Departments, and Instrumentalities.--
(1) In general.--Appropriations to carry out the
obligations, services, and programs described in paragraph (2)
shall be made directly to the Federal agencies, departments,
and instrumentalities carrying out the obligations, services
and programs.
(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;
(C) sections 131 and 132 and paragraphs (1), (3),
and (4) of section 221(a) of the U.S.-Palau Compact;
(D) Article 6 of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact Review
Agreement; and
(E) section 8.
(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 105(j) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of
2003 (48 U.S.C. 1921d(j)) (as amended by section 8(j)) and sections
4(a), 5(a), 6(b), and 8 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.
(c) Remaining Balances.--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 10 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 joint resolution or the amendments made by this joint
resolution 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 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.
SEC. 10. 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.
(C) Section 221(a)(2) of the U.S.-Palau Compact.
(D) Article 6(a) of the 2023 U.S.-Palau Compact
Review Agreement.
(2) Deposit.--
(A) In general.--The amounts appropriated to the
United States Postal Service under paragraph (1) shall
be deposited into the Postal Service Fund established
under section 2003 of title 39, United States Code, to
carry out the provisions described in that paragraph.
(B) Requirement.--Any amounts deposited into the
Postal Service Fund under subparagraph (A) shall be the
fiduciary, fiscal, and audit responsibility of the
Postal Service.
(c) Funding for Judicial Training.--There is appropriated to the
Secretary of the Interior to carry out section 8(d) out of any funds in
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $550,000 for each of fiscal
years 2024 through 2043, to remain available until expended.
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