WASHINGTON — U.S. congressional negotiators released a bill Sunday that would fund key parts of the government through the rest of the fiscal year, which began in October 2023. Among provisions in the appropriations package are critical funds to counter China in the Pacific as part of an agreement signed last year called the Compacts of Free Association, or COFA. Under the compacts, Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands will receive $7 billion in economic aid over 20 years. In exchange, Washington will provide for their defense and can deny China access to their territorial waters, a maritime area larger than the continental United States. The United States has had similar agreements in effect with Micronesia and the Marshalls since 1986 and with Palau since 1994. Citizens from these nations are allowed to travel, live and work in the United States as nonimmigrants. Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, who represents the U.S. territory of American Samoa, told VOA on Sunday that House Speaker Mike Johnson reached her early Saturday morning to deliver the news. Radewagen said she then called the presidents of the three Pacific allies to share the details. “The COFA agreements send a clear message of U.S. commitment to the Pacific region and take a much-needed international strong stand for the ideals of democracy and freedom,” she told VOA in an email. Senator Mazie Hirono, a Hawaii Democrat who has long supported the full funding of the agreement, issued a statement Sunday night. “As we work to counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific, these agreements are extremely important for our national security and that of our allies, and also for the tens of thousands of COFA citizens who live, work and pay taxes in the U.S.,” she said. The move comes after 26 senators, including Senators Joe Manchin, a Democrat, and John Barrasso, a Republican, urged Senate leadership to include the language that had previously been dropped from a Senate security spending bill on Feb. 12. SEE ALSO:Senate Fails to Add Compact Funds to Aid Package |
Alleged Rushdie attacker, awaiting trial in New York, could still face federal charges, lawyer saysEAEU serves as independent power center in multipolar world, says PutinDear Caroline: My dad has dementia and no longer recognises me or my motherMother's Day is a sad reminder for the mothers of Mexico's over 100,000 missing people1 of 3 teens charged with killing a Colorado woman while throwing rocks at cars pleads guiltyDespite revenue downgrade, North Carolina anticipates nearly $1B more in cashWar widow Christina Schmid, 49, who campaigned for soldiers killed in service, appears in courtEmotional Mbappé confirms he will leave PSG ahead of an expected move to Real MadridCompher scores late, Campbell makes 21 saves for 2nd straight shutout as Toronto beats Minnesota 2Hawaii officials outline efforts to prevent another devastating wildfire ahead of a dry season