§1985 Agreements with and Other Provisions Related to the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Summary

The United States must give free technical help and training, when needed, to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). That help can include training and equipment for postal inspection of illegal drugs and other contraband, and it is meant to help the RMI make and enforce its own laws and to help U.S. law enforcement. Money made available under subsection (j) of section 1921d (as changed by section 209(j)) can be used under section 1921b(a). Congress also confirms earlier laws that said the Section 177 Agreement settled certain claims in Articles X and XI and that the agreement’s jurisdiction limits exist only to carry out Article X. The 2023 Agreement to Amend the Compact does not change those earlier parts. Two U.S. voting members on the Joint Economic Management and Financial Accountability Committee must be federal officers or employees. One is appointed by the Secretary of State (with Treasury), the other by the Secretary of the Interior (with Treasury). Each serves 2-year terms and may be reappointed up to two more 2-year terms. At least one U.S. member must have special qualifications and at least 5 years of full-time experience in fields like accounting, auditing, budget analysis, grant administration, program management, or international economics. The Secretary of the Interior must notify Congress within 90 days after each U.S. appointment and must send certain Committee reports to Congress within 90 days of receipt or completion. Similar rules apply to the Trust Fund Committee: three U.S. voting members (federal employees) are appointed by the Secretaries of State, the Interior, and the Treasury; terms are not more than 5 years and members may be reappointed as allowed; at least two must have the listed qualifications and 5 years’ experience; the Secretary of the Interior must notify Congress within 90 days and must forward Committee reports to Congress within 90 days. Congress also confirms earlier limits on health and assistance tied to U.S. nuclear testing. Health services provided by the U.S. are for people from Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrik who were affected as defined by Public Law 95–134 and Public Law 96–205 and their descendants. Agencies must return unspent funds yearly to the Fund Manager, who will invest them and, after 15 years, use the funds and earnings to make annual payments to continue those health services under contracts. At the RMI’s request, the President must continue special medical care and logistical support for Rongelap and Utrik residents exposed in the 1954 “Bravo” test under Public Law 95–134 and Public Law 96–205. For the first 15 years after the Compact’s effective date, the U.S. must provide, without reimbursement and on request, technical help to continue planting and agricultural programs on specified atolls, food programs for the listed peoples, and water transport for agricultural products. The Secretary of the Interior may give grants for planting and maintenance on Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrik, and the Secretary of Agriculture may provide food programs without reimbursement.