Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

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Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Expanding America's Pacific Diplomatic Presence Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that seeks to deepen our diplomatic relations with Pacific Island countries and territories. I am thankful to Senator Cotton, Senator Markey, and Senator Hagerty for joining me in introducing this legislation.

The United States enjoys strong historical ties, economic relationships, and cultural links with many Pacific Island nations. During World War II, these islands became the frontlines of some of our hardest fought battles of the Pacific campaign. Now, Pacific Island nations and territories are at the frontlines of climate change. Our friendships with Pacific Island nations are deepened by generations of Pacific Islanders whose presence in the United States and contributions have enriched communities throughout our country. We also recognize the strategic importance of Pacific Island nations, as demonstrated by the Compacts of Free Association we have with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. Unfortunately, while our diplomatic presence in the region has waned in the last decade, the diplomatic and economic presence of the People's Republic of China, PRC, has increased as it seeks to forge closer ties with Pacific Island nations. What happens in the Pacific Islands matters to the United States and we must take steps to demonstrate the strength of our commitment to the region.

Diplomatic engagement in the region is critical for understanding how we can better support our Pacific Island partners. President Biden has worked to elevate the U.S.'s diplomatic engagement by being the first U.S. President to participate in a gathering of the Pacific Island Forum leaders. The President also signaled his commitment to the Freely Associated States by appointing Special Presidential Envoy Ambassador Joseph Yun to lead negotiations over the Compacts of Free Association. Several high-ranking administration officials, including the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have visited the region to pledge U.S. support for efforts related to COVID-19 response, climate change adaptation, maritime security, infrastructure development, trade, and economic investment. I applaud this level of meaningful diplomatic engagement in the region and would like to see this sustained in the future.

Establishing new U.S. diplomatic posts would support our efforts to build lasting relationships with Pacific Island nations and territories. The United States currently has eight Embassies among Pacific Island nations, with plans to reopen an Embassy in the Solomon Islands. These Embassies play an important role in forging relations with host nations and serve as important symbols of the U.S.'s long term commitment to the region. Opening new embassies, consulate generals, or other diplomatic posts would allow U.S. diplomats to have more regular interactions with the governments of the Pacific Islands and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing each nation. The year-round presence of more U.S. diplomats would improve our ability to compete with the PRC's growing presence in the region and would enhance our coordination with Australia, New Zealand, and Japan on economic development assistance and humanitarian aid. An expanded diplomatic presence in the region would also improve oversight of U.S. Government-funded programs in the region.

The legislation I am introducing would direct the Government Accountability Office, GAO, to conduct a feasibility study on establishing new diplomatic posts in Pacific Island countries and territories that currently do not have a U.S. Embassy or other U.S. diplomatic post. This legislation recognizes and seeks to understand what potential benefits and challenges may exist for establishing new U.S. diplomatic posts in the region. I hope that the results of an independent study conducted by GAO will inform future decisions by Congress and the executive branch to establish and appropriately fund new diplomatic posts in the region.

I urge my colleagues to pass the Expanding America's Pacific Diplomatic Presence Act to demonstrate our support for greater diplomatic engagement with our partners in the region and reaffirm our commitment to building a shared future with the people of the Pacific Islands.

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