11/17/2025 Newsletter

November 17, 2025

Happenings in Congress

The government reopened on November 12th after the House concurred with the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, which included a continuing resolution (CR) and full-year funding bills for Agriculture, Legislative Branch and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (VA). The latter requires the VA to report on and provide certain medical services to veterans in the Freely Associated States (FAS), as intended by Congress in the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024. It also included language that encourages the VA to partner with universities in the Pacific region focusing on issues unique to the Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and United States Affiliated Pacific Islander Veterans.

In the Trump administration’s “anomaly request,” which covers items that should be addressed during the CR period, the White House requested two items that were left out of the CR but will be debated in the coming weeks. The first authorizes the Department of Defense to pay the Republic of Palau for the acquisition of defense sites as necessary. The second is for base grant authority and funds needed to reinstate eligibility for the Head Start program in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall Islands.

Fifteen Members of Congress sent a National Defense Authorization Act conference letter urging the inclusion of a Senate provision requiring the VA to provide certain medical services to veterans in the FAS.

In the News

What Pacific Island Leaders Told the United Nations General Assembly About Climate, Conflict and Peace — Pacific Island leaders took turns addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, speaking on a range of issues - from local to global - that impact their countries.

New Zealand Pays Samoa $3.6 Million As Compensation for Navy Ship Wreck — New Zealand’s government has paid 10 million Samoan tala in compensation to Samoa’s government, a year after New Zealand sailors drove a navy ship aground on a reef off the Pacific Island nation.

U.S. Government Shutdown Sent Shockwaves through the Pacific and Opened Door for Change — As Washington stalled, Pacific Island nations faced both risk and choice as tens of thousands of federal workers were sent home without pay.

Fiji's HIV Crisis Could Spread Across the Region, Health Experts Warn — Health experts are warning that Fiji's rapidly rising HIV infection rate - described as a "national crisis" - could spread across the Pacific if urgent action is not taken.

Nauru, Australia Sign $388 Million Deal for Refugees Long-term Resettlement Arrangement — The new agreement underscores Nauru’s continuing role as a key regional partner for Australia in migration management while bolstering its own economic resilience through strategic funding and investment.
The Pacific Islands Challenge — The United States can build a better model of engagement that recognizes the Pacific Islands' own interests even as it enhances U.S. national security.
Major Upgrade Planned for Malakal Port as Palau, U.S. Advance Environmental Review — U.S. military and Republic of Palau officials are moving forward with plans to modernize Malakal Port, a key entry point for goods and materials, through a proposed improvement project now under environmental review.

Pacific Voices