CLEAN Pacific Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 4955

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-08-12: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-09-18T20:58:07Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The CLEAN Pacific Act of 2025 aims to create a new program called the Pacific Counternarcotics Initiative. This initiative helps specific Pacific island countries fight illegal drug production by improving their ability to seize, store, and destroy "listed chemicals"—substances used to make illegal drugs like methamphetamine. The goal is to reduce drug trafficking in the region while addressing environmental and storage challenges from these chemicals.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: The U.S. Secretary of State (in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and Attorney General) must set up the initiative to support beneficiary countries in:
• Increasing seizures and destruction of listed chemicals.
• Clearing backlogs of chemicals and hazardous waste from drug operations, ensuring safe disposal.
• Preventing seized chemicals from being reused in drug production.
• Freeing up storage space and minimizing environmental harm.
• Enhancing international law enforcement through training, shared equipment, and "interoperable systems" (tools for seamless communication and data sharing between countries).
• Building local law enforcement infrastructure for better seizures and destruction.
• Implementation Plan: Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must submit a detailed plan to Congress, including:
• A start timeline for assistance.
• Five-year strategies for each beneficiary country, with budgets, goals, and timelines.
• Measurable benchmarks to track progress.
• Roles of U.S. departments (State, Defense, Justice) and other agencies.
• Plans to tackle security risks and corruption that hinder chemical handling.
• Reporting schedule for updates to Congress.
• Lists of law enforcement capabilities needed in each country, divided into what locals can provide, what they cannot but the U.S. can assist with, and gaps.
• Reporting Requirements: Annual reports for five years must detail progress, benchmark compliance, and quantities of destroyed chemicals per country.
• Funding: Uses existing funds authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (no new money required).
• Definitions: Specifies terms like "beneficiary countries" (a list of 16 Pacific nations, such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Palau; the list can be updated with congressional notice), "listed chemical" (from the Controlled Substances Act, meaning regulated precursors for drugs), and key officials involved.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new targeted program under the Foreign Assistance Act, redirecting existing counterdrug funds to focus on Pacific nations and listed chemicals. It does not amend prior laws directly but adds specific planning, reporting, and cooperation requirements for U.S. agencies, emphasizing environmental safety and anti-corruption measures not previously mandated in this regional context.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The State Department will lead coordination with Defense and Justice Departments, increasing administrative workload for planning, reporting, and oversight. This could strain resources but build expertise in Pacific counterdrug efforts.
• Citizens: In beneficiary countries, improved chemical destruction may reduce health and environmental risks from drug waste, potentially lowering local drug availability. U.S. citizens could see indirect benefits through reduced narcotics flowing to American markets, including Pacific territories.
• International Relations: Strengthens U.S. partnerships with Pacific island nations by providing aid and training, fostering goodwill and cooperation on regional security. It may enhance U.S. influence in the Pacific amid competition from other powers, while promoting joint law enforcement.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government Entities: Department of State (lead), Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and congressional committees (Foreign Affairs/Foreign Relations, and Judiciary in both chambers).
• Beneficiary Countries: The 16 listed Pacific nations (e.g., Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Fiji, Papua New Guinea), including their law enforcement agencies that will receive training, equipment, and support.
• Local Communities: Residents in these countries facing drug-related environmental and safety issues.
• Broader International Actors: U.S. law enforcement agencies collaborating across borders, potentially including regional organizations focused on Pacific security.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on established foreign aid authorities, ensuring compliance with the Controlled Substances Act for handling listed chemicals. The ability to update beneficiary lists provides flexibility but requires congressional notification to maintain oversight.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign affairs and appropriations, promoting executive implementation while mandating legislative reporting for accountability.
• Political: Targets a specific region with growing drug transit concerns, potentially advancing U.S. strategic interests in the Pacific without new spending. It emphasizes measurable outcomes and anti-corruption, which could set precedents for future aid programs, though success depends on interagency coordination and host-country cooperation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-08-12: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-08-12: Introduced in House
• 2025-08-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Combating Lethal Elements and Narcotics in the Pacific Act of 2025 — issued 2025-08-12 — PDF (8 pages)