Oversight Hearing | Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on September 11, 2024, to examine the implementation of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) Amendments Act of 2024. The hearing focused on the progress and challenges in executing key provisions of the COFA agreements with the Freely Associated States (FAS) — Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Witnesses from the Departments of State, Interior, Defense, and Veterans Affairs provided updates on economic assistance allocations, federal program and service agreements (FPSAs), and veteran services implementation. The administration reported ongoing efforts to finalize FPSAs with Palau and the Marshall Islands and to convene the interagency group for coordination. However, concerns were raised about delays in veteran services delivery, particularly by the VA, and the need for timely congressional action to approve extensions and amendments to FPSAs to avoid lapses in services. Ambassadors from the FAS emphasized the importance of the agreements for their nations' security and economic stability, highlighted challenges such as Chinese coercion and infrastructure vulnerabilities, and urged expedited implementation of veteran healthcare and other benefits. The committee underscored the strategic significance of COFA in countering malign influence in the Indo-Pacific and stressed the necessity of fulfilling U.S. commitments promptly to maintain strong partnerships.