Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has reintroduced the BLUE Pacific Bill, which is aimed at boosting long term U.S. engagement in the Pacific.
The BLUE Pacific Act, lays out a renewed vision and framework for U.S. foreign policy in the Pacific Islands over the coming generation.
It would, among other things…
- Expand U.S. diplomatic and development presence in the Pacific Islands;
- Increase U.S. security cooperation and assistance to address regional maritime security, transnational crime and law enforcement issues, such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing;
- Deepen and diversify bilateral and multilateral trade between the U.S. and the region and invests in trade capacity building programs for the region;
- Support regional economic and social development in areas of public health, education, infrastructure, climate change resilience and adaptation.
- Build on existing regional institutions and frameworks, including efforts of like-minded allies and partners of the United States;
- Promote shared values like press freedom and gender equality; and
- Strengthen people-to-people relationships and civil society.
Co-sponsors of the bill are Hawaii Congressman Ed Case, and two Congressmen from California, Ami Bera and Brad Sherman.
Congresswoman Uifa’atali, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific said, “The importance of U.S. engagement in the Pacific region and especially the Pacific Islands goes far beyond defense considerations, and the BLUE Pacific priorities are a great example.”
Diplomacy, climate resilience efforts for our beautiful ocean, encouraging the Peace Corps regionally, and recognizing development opportunities all come together.
She thanked Congressman Case for his leadership in these commitments.
