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Problem Solvers Caucus Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Ties in the Pacific Islands Region

February 15, 2022

Furthering Economic & National Security Partnerships to Curtail Chinese’s Expanding Influence

WASHINGTON, D.C.– With China’s growing footprint in the Pacific Islands, the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed the Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Act (BLUE Pacific Act). This bipartisan bill would strengthen engagement with this critical region by increasing America’s diplomatic presence, military ties, and trade relations, and supporting economic development.

Beijing’s growing engagement in the Pacific Islands—an expanse that stretches from Easter Island in the east to Hawaii in the north to New Caledonia and Palau in the west to Tonga in the south—poses severe threats to U.S. defense and economic interests. 

Representatives Ed Case (HI-01) and Young Kim (CA-39) brought the bill for endorsement, which garnered the support of more than 75 percent of the Caucus. 

The BLUE Pacific Act would establish a comprehensive, long-term U.S. strategy across the Pacific Islands region that: 

  • Expands U.S. diplomatic and development presence in the Pacific Islands;
  • Increases U.S. security cooperation and assistance to address regional maritime security, transnational crime and law enforcement issues, including Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing;
  • Deepens and diversifies bilateral and multilateral trade between the U.S. and the region and invests in trade capacity building programs for the region;
  • Supports regional economic and social development in areas of public health, education, infrastructure, climate change resilience and adaptation, and more;
  • Builds on existing regional institutions and frameworks, including efforts of like-minded allies and partners of the United States;
  • Promotes shared values like press freedom and gender equality; and
  • Strengthens people-to-people relationships and civil society. 

Read the full text here. 

“As China continues to increase their presence in the Pacific — a region that covers more than 15 percent of the world’s surface — the United States must have a strategic approach,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “Now, the Problem Solvers Caucus is endorsing critical bipartisan legislation — the BLUE Pacific Act — to counter China’s influence in the Pacific and strengthen American national security.”

“The foundation of the relationship between the United States and the Pacific Islands is built upon shared values, common interests, and deep historical ties,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “It is of our nations' security and economic interests that we continue to fortify this relationship by bolstering cooperation with our partners and allies in the Pacific Island region.”

“Our BLUE Pacific Act expands and boosts our country’s longstanding partnerships throughout the vast Pacific,” said Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), also the co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan House Pacific Islands Caucus. “It provides a comprehensive, long-term framework for United States foreign policy in the Pacific Islands focusing on three essential pillars which are key to our Pacific partners: security, development and shared values.”

“The legislation would expand diplomatic and development presence; increase maritime security cooperation and assistance; deepen and diversify trade; support regional economic and social development in areas like public health and education; invest in climate adaptation and climate resilient infrastructure; coordinate with existing regional institutions and like-minded allies and partners; promote shared values like press freedom and gender equality; and strengthen people-to-people relationships and civil society.”

“The BLUE Pacific Act ensures we engage with our allies in the Pacific Islands by creating a concrete strategy for U.S. presence and assistance in the region,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39). “I thank Rep. Case for leading this bill and am glad our Problem Solvers Caucus colleagues could come together to provide our support.”

“I’m excited to see the bipartisan support from the Problem Solvers Caucus to endorse the BLUE Pacific Act. At such a dangerous time, it is vital that the U.S. reinvest in our partnerships and alliances in the critical Pacific region. This is yet another piece of the Problem Solvers agenda that would have real impact to the lives of Americans and to our friends around the world,” said Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR-05).