89R19817 KSM-D
By: Buckley H.R. No. 559
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The United States has enjoyed strong relationships
with the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
and the Federated States of Micronesia; and
WHEREAS, The Compact of Free Association Act of 1985
terminated U.S. trusteeship over the former Trust Territory of the
Pacific Islands and established the Federated States of Micronesia
and the Republic of the Marshall Islands as independent nations in
1986; in 1994, the U.S. established another Compact of Free
Association with the Republic of Palau; the agreements also outline
how economic assistance is administered to the nations by the
U.S. Office of Insular Affairs; and
WHEREAS, The COFA agreements are perpetual with a periodic
review of financial provisions; the most recent amendments to the
agreements were passed by the U.S. Congress, and they went into
effect on March 18, 2024; the amendments ensured that veterans
living in the COFA islands could access VA medical services, and
they restored and extended federal domestic services such as SNAP,
TANF, FEMA, and in-state tuition; the amendments also strengthened
U.S. Indo-Pacific influence by enhancing U.S. military presence in
the COFA nations; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 94,000 non-immigrant legal permanent
residents from COFA nations currently live in the U.S. and its
territories; of that population, approximately 5,000 live in and
contribute to the State of Texas and the United States as a whole
through various employment sectors, including technical and
professional fields; in addition, many COFA islanders serve in the
U.S. military and are stationed at bases in Texas; in 2019, the
Senate and the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature adopted resolutions acknowledging the historical
significance of the COFA agreements; and
WHEREAS, Texas and the United States have benefited
immeasurably through decades of unwavering friendship with the
Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the
Federated States of Micronesia, and it is a pleasure to join in
recognizing the many contributions of Texas residents who trace
their heritage to the COFA nations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby express support for the protection of COFA
islanders residing in Texas and affirm their rights afforded under
the Compact of Free Association agreements; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 18, 2025, as COFA Day in Texas.