Compact Agreements Finally Approved and Signed into Law
Springdale, AR- March 9, 2024 - President Biden has taken a historic step in strengthening international cooperation and diplomacy by approving and signing into law the Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreements which represent a positive step forward, strengthening the relationships between the United States. the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau. These landmark legislative measures signify a commitment to equity, justice, and honoring the contributions of COFA citizens. The Compact Impact Fairness Act (CIFA) and The COFA Veterans Act were also incorporated into the funding package.
The Compact Impact Fairness Act (CIFA) restores federal benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Security Income (SSI), etc. Meanwhile, the COFA Veterans Act recognizes the service and sacrifices of veterans from COFA nations, providing them with access to essential benefits and resources. These acts represent a significant step forward in upholding America's commitments to its COFA partners and their citizens, promoting inclusivity and fairness for all. By enacting these measures into law, the United States reaffirms its values of compassion, respect, and solidarity with COFA communities.
Melisa Laelan-Pedro, Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese, said, "The inclusion of the CIFA in the new compact agreements will change accessibility to a range of programs and we really want to thank our Congress members for restoring these benefits to COFA citizens living in the United States. The exclusion of COFA migrants to many of these programs stemmed from the implementation of the 1996 Welform Reform Act, which unintentionally contributed to poor health and social conditions. CIFA will improve access to healthy food and stabilize food sovereignty and I am really looking forward to the implementation of these programs. There are so many people to thank but we are especially thankful to Congress members from Hawaii and Arkansas for their leadership and the inclusion of ACOM in this effort.
‘’My outmost kommoltata (appreciation) to all who championed the cause of COFA citizens’ inclusion in Federal programs, such as the Compact Impact Fairness Act. Your tireless efforts have resulted in a significant change that will benefit the livelihood of COFA citizens, particularly the Marshallese community,” expressed Hilma Lemari, Vice Consul of the Arkansas RMI Consulate General.
President Biden emphasized the significance of these agreements in advancing America's interests while also promoting global stability and prosperity. In a statement recently released, the President underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and security threats.
Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, stated, "Passage of the COFA agreements out of the House Committee on Natural Resources is a crucial step in supporting our allies in the Pacific and pushing back against the People's Republic of China's maligned influence in the region. Earlier this year, I led a congressional delegation to all three Freely Associated States and saw firsthand how important these compacts are to our friends on these critical islands. My home state is also home to a large population of Marshallese who make invaluable contributions to our Arkansas communities. The Passage of these agreements is further evidence of our commitment to these constituents and their relatives and friends in the Pacific, and I'm proud of the work we have done to pass the COFAs through the committee."
The compact agreements represent a milestone achievement in the Biden administration's commitment to restoring America's leadership on the world stage and engaging constructively with allies and partners. By forging strong partnerships through these agreements, the United States seeks to uphold democratic values, promote human rights, and advance shared interests around the globe.
"COFA citizens are important members of our communities who pay federal taxes and deserve access to the same federal benefits as other legal residents in our country," said Senator Hirono (D-HI). "That's why I've worked with members of Congress from both parties to reinstate access to federal benefits for COFA citizens as part of the updated Compacts. After nearly 30 years of COFA citizens being denied these benefits, successfully reinstating these benefits will make life better for tens of thousands of people across our country. I've appreciated the partnership of my colleagues and advocates throughout this process."
"Renewing the Compacts of Free Association is critical to our national security and to the Marshallese population in Arkansas. Thousands of Marshallese call our state home and are valuable members of our communities. Restoring access to benefits they are entitled to is important to honoring our agreement and supporting the needs of these residents. I'm pleased we were able to get this accomplished," Senator John Boozman (R-AR) said.
Representative Steve Womack (R-AR) stated, “I’m incredibly pleased that the Compact of Free Association has finally been renewed. The Compacts are not only critically important to maintaining our strong relationship with the Pacific Islands and combatting the Chinese Communist Party but also to the Marshallese in Northwest Arkansas. Marshallese families are an integral part of the community. I’m proud we restored access to the care and services they’re entitled to while upholding our commitments to these key security partners.”
We would like to acknowledge and recognize the leadership of Representative Steve Womack (R-AR) in the work leading up to the passing of the Compact of Free Association package.
The success of these legislative efforts would not have been possible without the dedicated advocacy and support of our partners in various organizations and individuals: The National Association of Pasifika Organizations (NAOPO), Tyson Foods, the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF), Mazon, Mid-America Marshallese Organizations (MAMO), We Are Oceania (WAO), and Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) have all played a big role in advocacy efforts. Their tireless efforts and collaboration have made a lasting impact on Capitol Hill and beyond.
About: Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM) is a non-profit organization 501c(3) founded in 2011 focusing on initiatives to improve the quality of life for the more than 15,000 Marshallese community members living in Arkansas. We serve Marshallese and strive to support and build capacity with other Pacific Islander communities. ACOM engages the Marshallese community through a culturally specific approach by applying education, leadership, policy, and holistic services.