President Simina Discusses COFA Implementation with U.S. Congressional Delegation in Palau

KOROR, Palau, October 7, 2024 – His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) met with a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation (CODEL) led by Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to discuss the ongoing implementation of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) Amendments Act of 2024.

The delegation, which also included Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Congressman David Trone (D-MD), Congressman Wiley Nickel (D-NC), Congressman Gregory Pence (R-IN) and Rear Admiral Gregory Huffman, Commander of the Joint Task Force Micronesia, was in the Pacific region to address key national security and energy issues and to strengthen partnerships with the Freely Associated States (FAS).

During the meeting, President Simina expressed his gratitude for the U.S. Congress’ leadership in securing the passage of the COFA Amendments Act. “I want to sincerely thank Chairman Manchin, Senator Murkowski, and the entire U.S. Congress for their bipartisan efforts in ensuring the successful passage of the COFA Act earlier this year,” said President Simina. “This landmark agreement reaffirms our strong and enduring partnership with the United States and enhances opportunities for the FSM and its citizens.”

President Simina emphasized the importance of timely and comprehensive implementation of the COFA Amendments Act, which promises expanded social services, education, and healthcare access for FSM citizens living both within the FSM and abroad, particularly in the United States. He expressed optimism that continued collaboration with U.S. federal agencies will ensure the smooth rollout of these services.

“We have seen tangible benefits from the Compact agreements already, but there are still areas where timely implementation is critical,” President Simina noted. “For example, we are awaiting further guidance from the Social Security Administration on eligibility for Supplemental Security Income and hope to see progress soon. Additionally, we are eager for the Department of Health and Human Services to appropriate the necessary funding for Head Start programs in FSM to provide early childhood education support for our young citizens.”

A key topic of discussion was the care and support for FSM veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. President Simina thanked Senator Murkowski for her leadership in addressing longstanding access issues through the Care for COFA Veterans Act but raised concerns over delays in engagement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our service members sacrifice greatly in service of our common and shared values, and it is imperative that they receive the healthcare services and support they deserve,” President Simina stated. “We are hopeful that our recent meetings with the VA will lead to improved collaboration and solutions that address the needs of our veterans.” We are encouraged that our first official bilateral engagement with the U.S. VA is currently scheduled for within the next week.

Looking to the future, President Simina expressed his eagerness to explore new opportunities for deepening the U.S.-FSM relationship, including the potential restoration of the Peace Corps program in the FSM.

During a press conference President Simina highlighted his recent citizens outreach events in Texas and Hawaii stating “I am encouraged by the renewed and expanded services now available to FSM citizens through the Compact. The tangible benefits, from social services to educational opportunities, are making a real difference in the lives of our people abroad. As we move ahead, I look forward to maintaining momentum on Compact implementation to ensure these vital services are accessible to all those who need them, as we all envisioned.”

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the U.S. Congress, and I look forward to working together with the U.S. congress and executive branch to ensure that our Compact agreements are fully realized for the benefit of our citizens and our shared future,” President Simina concluded.

The U.S. Congressional delegation will continue their Pacific tour with additional stops in Australia and the Philippines.

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