12/02/2024 Newsletter

Happenings in Congress

• On November 21, 2024, Congressman Ed Case and 11 original cosponsors introduced H.R. 10206, the Engage the Pacific Act. The bill establishes a Committee on Engagement with Civil Society Organizations in the Pacific Islands, requires a report on strategic communications in the Pacific Islands, codifies the Indo-Pacific Media Advancement Program to strengthen media resiliency, establishes the Pacific Islands Training and Resources for Advancement in Development, Education and Skills Program to assist with workforce development, and supports and requires a report on American Spaces in the region. View introductory extensions of remarks here.
• On November 19, 2024, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ordered Congresswoman Radewagen's H.R. 6062 to be reported favorably to the full Senate for its consideration. H.R. 6062 reaffirms the principle supporting American Samoa's right to self-determination by restoring the ability of the people of American Samoa to approve amendments to the territorial constitution without an Act of Congress.
• The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Appropriations bills, key legislation that would contain priorities for the Pacific Islands, are still being negotiated by lawmakers. A final NDAA is expected to be filed in the next few weeks, while it seems increasingly likely that another Continuing Resolution (CR) will be passed for FY 2025 appropriations. The current CR expires on December 20.
• The Pacific Islands Caucus hosted a staff-level briefing on strengthening media resiliency in the Pacific Islands and a Member-level briefing with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell on U.S. diplomacy in the region.

In the News

• Pacific climate advocates decry COP29 outcome 'a failure on every front' - The Pacific Islands Climate Action Network said on Monday that "the richest nations turned their backs on their legal and moral obligations" as the United Nations meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, fell short of expectations.
• Snap election looms in Vanuatu - The president of the Republic of Vanuatu has dissolved parliament, triggering a snap-election, for the second time in two years.
• What to know about Palau's election: Taiwan, China and other key issues - After Palau held its presidential election on November 5, incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr. was announced as the winner.
• Samoa welcomes first British king to visit Pacific Islands - Top of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting's to-do list were climate change and oceans as leaders from 56 Commonwealth nations met.
• Tens of thousands crowd New Zealand’s Parliament grounds in support of Māori rights - Tens of thousands crowded the streets in New Zealand's capital, Wellington, marching to oppose a law that would reshape the country's founding treaty between Indigenous Māori and the British Crown.
• The U.S. and Fiji have signed a new defence pact as tensions rise in the Pacific amid concerns about China - U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin became the first U.S. defense secretary to pay a visit to the Pacific Island nation.
• China reclaims position as second-largest donor to Pacific Islands, report finds - China has surpassed the United States and regained its place as the second-largest bilateral donor to the Pacific Islands, according to a new report published Wednesday by the Lowy Institute. Australia remains the largest donor.

Pacific Voices

• On our playlist this week: We're Back, Auli'i Cravalho and Moana 2 Cast
• On our watch list this week: New Zealand Embassy to the U.S. waiata (Māori song) performance of Nga Ara (Country Roads)
• On our reading list this week: Eat Pacific: The Pacific Island Food Revolution Cookbook, edited by Robert Oliver