Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023
Impact
The resolution impacts various U.S. education laws including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. By facilitating financial stability in education for the freely associated states, it enhances the infrastructure for individuals with disabilities, aligning the support from U.S. federal agencies with that provided to domestic citizens. This adjustment reinforces the longstanding commitment the U.S. has for these territories, promoting educational opportunities and fostering local development.
Summary
SJR48 is a joint resolution that aims to adjust and reaffirm the relationship between the United States and the freely associated states, specifically the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The bill stipulates that these states will continue to receive education and disability funding in accordance with their eligibility under relevant U.S. statutes. It indicates that no freely associated state should receive a lesser share of the total funds reserved for them than what they received in fiscal year 2023, thereby ensuring a consistent supporting financial framework amidst potential economic challenges.
Contention
While the bill aims to provide clarity and stability in funding, it may ignite discussion on the broader implications of such financial commitments. Some legislators may argue that it necessitates a review of the compact agreements and their financial sustainability as they relate to U.S. taxpayer resources. Moreover, the specificity in adjusting fiscal allocations could provoke debates regarding sufficiency and equity, particularly when compared to funding levels provided to other U.S. territories.
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Countering Communist China Act Stop CCP Fentanyl Act Countering Atrocities through Currency Accountability Act of 2024 Sanctioning Supporters of Slave Labor Act DATA Act Deterring America’s Technological Adversaries Act DITCH Act Dump Investments in Troublesome Communist Holdings Act ENABLERS Act Establishing New Authorities for Businesses Laundering and Enabling Risks to Security Act STOP CCP Act Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act Disclosing Investments in Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 PARSA Protecting Americans’ Retirement Savings Act Preventing Adversaries from Developing Critical Capabilities Act
Related
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024
Countering Communist China Act Stop CCP Fentanyl Act Countering Atrocities through Currency Accountability Act of 2024 Sanctioning Supporters of Slave Labor Act DATA Act Deterring America’s Technological Adversaries Act DITCH Act Dump Investments in Troublesome Communist Holdings Act ENABLERS Act Establishing New Authorities for Businesses Laundering and Enabling Risks to Security Act STOP CCP Act Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act Disclosing Investments in Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 PARSA Protecting Americans’ Retirement Savings Act Preventing Adversaries from Developing Critical Capabilities Act
Formally apologizing for the nuclear legacy of the United States in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and affirming the importance of free association between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands.
Expressing support for the protection of COFA islanders residing in Texas, reaffirming their rights afforded under the Compacts of Free Association, and recognizing March 18, 2025, as COFA Day in Texas.
Celebrating The Ties Between Hawaii And The Freely Associated States And Urging The President Of The United States And United States Congress To Appoint A Lead Negotiator To Revitalize And Finalize The Stalled Renegotiation Of The Compacts Of Free Association Prior To The Compacts' Expiration.