Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9508
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:06:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act (H.R. 9508)
Purpose
This legislation directs Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a component of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to create the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative. The goal is to build stronger law enforcement ties with Pacific Island countries, improve efforts against transnational criminal groups, and support U.S. interests in the region through ongoing collaboration and resource support.
Key Provisions
- Establishment: HSI must set up the Initiative within 180 days of the law's passage, led by the HSI Honolulu office with support from HSI Guam, HSI Attache Canberra, and other relevant HSI offices.
- Activities:
- Conduct regular visits and joint operations with Pacific Island countries to boost partnerships.
- Offer training, technical help, and resource sharing to improve local capacity against criminal organizations.
- Deploy U.S. personnel to a regional hub for quicker access to the area.
- Address external threats by focusing on criminal issues and promoting shared principles like rule of law and good governance.
- Provide consistent U.S. support to make the country the preferred partner for Pacific nations.
- Aid regional stability and growth by helping develop security-related infrastructure and technology.
- Personnel: Assign at least four full-time staff, supervised by an Assistant Special Agent in Charge at HSI Honolulu, with two based in Honolulu and two in Guam.
- Reporting: Require an annual report to Congress starting one year after launch, covering fund use, effects on regional security, capacity-building results, and suggestions for more resources or laws.
- Funding: Authorize $5,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2034.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, dedicated program within HSI focused on the Pacific Islands, adding specific requirements for collaboration, personnel deployment, and reporting that did not previously exist in this structured form. It expands HSI's international operations mandate without altering broader agency authorities.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload and resources for HSI offices in Honolulu and Guam, requiring coordination across multiple HSI units.
- Citizens: May indirectly benefit U.S. citizens through enhanced security against cross-border crimes, though direct effects are limited.
- International Relations: Strengthens U.S. engagement with Pacific Island nations, potentially improving joint law enforcement and regional influence while supporting economic resilience in those areas.
Main Stakeholders
- Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Pacific Island countries and their law enforcement agencies.
- U.S. Congress, through oversight and funding decisions.
- U.S. law enforcement personnel involved in international operations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The measure falls within Congress's authority to fund and direct federal agencies on foreign policy and law enforcement matters. It emphasizes U.S. strategic positioning in the Pacific without raising apparent constitutional issues, focusing instead on practical enhancements to existing international cooperation frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (4 pages)