HR562119th CongressWALLET

BLUE Pacific Act

Sponsored By: Representative Case

Introduced

Summary

Boosts long-term U.S. engagement in the Pacific by creating a coordinated strategy, staffing, and targeted programs to deepen diplomatic, economic, security, and people-to-people ties with Pacific Island nations. The bill sets measurable strategy deadlines and new program authorities across health, trade, media, education, disaster resilience, oceans, and technology.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Multi-year funding for Pacific programs

If enacted, this would authorize $270 million each year from 2026 through 2033 to carry out the Act. It would also authorize $10 million a year (2026–2033) for a Pacific workforce training program. It would authorize $4 million a year (2026–2033) for media capacity and literacy. It would authorize $650,000 a year (2026–2033) for community-led small grants.

More U.S.-Pacific trade and investment

If enacted, Commerce would expand U.S. Commercial Service posts in the Pacific to help U.S. firms find deals and understand local rules. The U.S. Trade Representative could pursue new trade and investment frameworks with Pacific economies. USAID would build local trade capacity, including digital links and help with trade agreements. The DFC would prioritize investment agreements, and U.S. agencies would help Pacific partners access development funds. The Pacific Islands Forum could receive the same legal immunities as other international organizations to ease cooperation.

Climate-ready infrastructure in the Pacific

If enacted, the U.S. would support climate‑resilient roads, ports, health facilities, power, and telecom in the Pacific Islands. It would back coastal protection, food and water security, and programs like green bonds and climate risk insurance. It would also support disaster planning, training, and recovery, and help partners address sea level rise and related migration and boundary issues.

Cybersecurity help and better internet

If enacted, U.S. agencies would help Pacific countries improve cybersecurity and set up or strengthen incident response teams. They would support policies for secure, open digital networks and better information sharing. The bill would also back efforts to expand high‑quality broadband and strengthen digital skills in business and civil society.

Stronger fisheries and maritime security

If enacted, the U.S. would support sustainable fishing, fair‑labor practices, and tools like traceability to fight illegal fishing. Agencies would assess gaps in U.S. capacity to help partners combat illegal fishing and identify needed resources. The U.S. would help Pacific partners build maritime security, fight trafficking, share information, and improve disaster response. National police and coast guards could receive help under more programs, with four specific exceptions named in the bill. Major U.S. crime and fisheries reports would add Pacific‑focused analysis.

Better U.S. planning and staffing in Pacific

If enacted, the President would deliver a Pacific Partnership Strategy by January 1, 2027 and every four years after. Progress reports would follow within a year and then every odd‑numbered year. State would submit a strategic communications plan within 180 days. Agencies would try to add more Pacific‑focused staff, including local hires. A new committee would coordinate civil society engagement and send Congress a strategy within 180 days.

Senior official to oversee Compacts

If enacted, State would name a Senior Official to manage the Compacts with Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia. The official would coordinate across agencies and help ensure assistance and benefits flow on time. The bill authorizes $250,000 to support this role.

Support for Pacific health systems

If enacted, the U.S. would fund health programs in the Pacific Islands. It would support maternal and child health, family planning, disease control, water and sanitation, and fair access to medical products. It would also back health leadership, data, supply chains, and workforce. USAID would brief Congress within 180 days on how it will run these efforts.

Grants and exchanges for young leaders

If enacted, the U.S. would expand exchange programs with the Pacific Islands. Young leaders could win competitive grants of up to $50,000 for community projects. The bill would continue programs like Youth Ambassadors and STEM scholarships. The State Department would brief Congress within 180 days on program plans and alumni support.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Case

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

    GU • R

    Sponsored 1/20/2025

  • Larsen (WA)

    WA • D

    Sponsored 1/20/2025

  • Titus

    NV • D

    Sponsored 1/20/2025

  • Tokuda

    HI • D

    Sponsored 1/20/2025

  • Gottheimer

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 1/20/2025

  • Krishnamoorthi

    IL • D

    Sponsored 1/20/2025

  • Sherman

    CA • D

    Sponsored 1/20/2025

  • Nunn (IA)

    IA • R

    Sponsored 1/21/2025

  • Norcross

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Bera

    CA • D

    Sponsored 1/31/2025

  • Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]

    AS • R

    Sponsored 2/4/2025

  • Strickland

    WA • D

    Sponsored 2/7/2025

  • Fitzpatrick

    PA • R

    Sponsored 3/11/2025

  • Suozzi

    NY • D

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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