07/05/2024 Newsletter

Happenings in Congress

• Sen. Hirono secures key priorities for Hawaii and Pacific Region in Committee Markup of Annual Defense Bill- U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, secured several key priorities for Hawaii and the U.S. military during the Committee’s markup of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
• The House of Representatives passed 3 appropriations bills – The Appropriations Committee’s various Subcommittees marked up and advanced the second group of appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2025, while several of the year’s appropriations bills passed the House. The appropriation bills on State and Foreign Operations, Defense, and Homeland Security were all passed and included Pacific Islands Caucus priorities, like $2.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific Strategy, $175 million in assistance for Pacific Islands countries, and $60 million to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to base another Medium Endurance Cutter in the Pacific.
• Sen. Kelly and Romney introduce legislation to shore up U.S. military supply chains in Indo-Pacific - On June 11th, Senators Mark Kelly, member of the Armed Services Committee, and Mitt Romney, member of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, introduced the Bolstering Indo-Pacific Capabilities Act. This bipartisan legislation would strengthen U.S. military strategy and improve readiness, specifically in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the News

• Low levels of women's political representation in the Pacific Islands - The Pacific Islands are experiencing a busy election year, with national elections in Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Palau, and Kiribati, and local elections in Papua New Guinea. A significant issue across these elections is the low representation and participation of women in politics, highlighting a gender gap that threatens the quality of democracy in the region.
• The transfer of seven detainees in New Caledonia to France results in political unrest - The activists were accused of staging violent riots in response to electoral reforms that threatened Indigenous Kanaks' political influence, causing widespread tension and bloodshed in the region.
• Advocates say Samoa Agreement signifies greater Pacific Island influence - The Samoa Agreement outlines how the European Union will interact with African, Caribbean, and the Pacific countries on issues such as human rights, trade, and climate change. The agreement highlights the growing acknowledgment of Pacific Island states in international agreements, with Samoa set to lead.
• Pacific Islanders celebrated this month to traditions and resist colonialism, nuclearism and climate change - This year’s Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu showcased Indigenous arts and culture while becoming a platform for anti-colonial critique and discussions on the climate crisis. Despite corporate and military sponsorship, Pacific Islanders used the event to emphasize the need for solidarity and action against environmental destruction.
• Pacific Islands’ central banks sign inclusive green finance roadmap - The central banks of seven Pacific Island nations have signed the Natadola roadmap, committing to collaborative efforts in boosting inclusive green finance in a region highly vulnerable to climate change. This agreement emphasizes regional capacity building, pooling of funding and expertise, and leveraging technological solutions, while prioritizing a just transition to net zero that recognizes diverse needs and capacities.
• The Nevada National Guard and Samoa establish a state partnership - The Nevada National Guard hosted a workshop to launch a new partnership with Samoa, focusing on cultural understanding and collaborative efforts under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. Experts and representatives from various organizations discussed Samoa's unique cultural systems and future engagements, emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-government approach for mutual benefit.

Pacific Voices

• On our playlist this week: Easier (feat. Anuhea & J Boog) by Soja
• On our watch list this week: American Samoa Delegation Performance at FestPac 2024
• On our reading list this week: Voyages: From Tongan Villages to American Suburbs