Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on the implementation of the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) Amendments Act of 2024. Presiding Subcommittee Chair Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa) issued the following statement in response:

“Congress’ timely passage of the COFA Amendments Act and successful renewal of the COFA agreements speaks to the U.S. commitment to preserving our special relationship with our FAS allies and to countering the maligned activities of the CCP; however, there is still more left to be done. The U.S. must remain committed to following through on obligations promised under the COFA Amendments Act. I am therefore gravely concerned to see that there are several key provisions of the COFA Amendments Act that have not been implemented in a timely manner consistent with the clearly expressed intent of Congress and agreements signed by the President. Oversight and accountability will ensure that the COFA agreements continue to serve as the pillar of our relationship with the FAS for the decades to come, signaling to the region that the U.S. remains a reliable and committed partner.”

Background

Congress successfully passed the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 in March 2024 and is conducting oversight on the implementation of the new agreement. 

The Biden-Harris administration has failed to carry out several key provisions of the COFA Amendments Act, including delivering veterans’ services for the Republic of Palau (Palau), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Citizens of these three countries serve in the U.S. armed forces and have enlisted at higher rates per capita than any U.S. state, with high distinction.

The administration has not yet transmitted a new signed Federal Programs and Services Agreement (FPSA) with the Republic of Palau, even as the current FPSA expires on September 30, 2024. Additionally, the administration has not completed FPSA negotiations with the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

In addition, the administration has yet to formally convene the Interagency Group authorized by Congress to improve interagency coordination and communication on COFA implementation. Implementing the COFA agreements is vital to maintaining the United States' partnership with its allies in the Indo-Pacific and deterring the Chinese Communist Party’s increasing aggression in the region. 

Today's hearing allowed members to question Biden-Harris administration officials about the details of COFA implementation and hear how the administration plans to address the delays in carrying out its responsibilities under the COFA Amendments Act of 2024.