SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 268
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 signed into law
by former President Joe Biden on March 9, 2024, 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
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 Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature,
hereby recognize March 18, 2025, as COFA Day in Texas.
Johnson, Eckhardt, West
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 18, 2025.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate