H.R. 9508

119 HR 9508 IH: Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-06-29
 text/xml
 EN
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 I  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. R. 9508  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   June 29, 2026   Mr. Case  (for himself and  Mr. Moylan ) introduced the following bill; which was 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   A BILL
To require Homeland Security Investigations to establish the Pacific
      Islands Liaison Initiative to strengthen the United States strategic partnerships and ability
      to combat transnational criminal organizations in the Pacific region, and for other
      purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act  .
2.
Establishment of Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative
(a)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations shall establish the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative (in this section referred to as the  Initiative ). The Initiative shall be carried out by Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations Guam, Homeland Security Investigations Attaché Canberra, Homeland Security Investigations International Operations, and any other relevant offices of Homeland Security Investigations the Executive Associate Director determines appropriate.
(b)
Activities
The Initiative shall carry out the following:
(1)
Strengthen the United States partnerships with Pacific Island countries by enhancing collaboration on law enforcement and security through the following:
(A)
Regular visits by United States law enforcement personnel.
(B)
Conducting joint operations throughout the region.
(2)
Enhance the capacity of Pacific Island countries to combat transnational criminal organizations, including through the provision of training, technical assistance, and resource sharing.
(3)
Support the forward deployment of United States law enforcement personnel to a regional hub in the Pacific Islands to enable rapid and frequent access to and engagement with Pacific Island countries.
(4)
Counter malign influence in the Pacific region by addressing transnational criminal threats and promoting shared values, such as the rule of law, transparency, and good governance.
(5)
Position the United States as the partner of choice for Pacific Island countries by providing sustained support, resources, and expertise to address shared challenges.
(6)
Promote regional stability and economic development by fostering secure and resilient Pacific Island communities through the development of infrastructure, technology, and other resources that support regional security and economic resilience.
(c)
Personnel
The Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations shall appoint not fewer than four full-time equivalent personnel for the Initiative, to be overseen by an Assistant Special Agent in Charge who is stationed at Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu. Two of such personnel shall be stationed at Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu and two of such personnel shall be stationed at Homeland Security Investigations Guam.
(d)
Annual report
Not later than one year after the establishment of the Initiative and annually thereafter, the Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations shall submit to Congress a report detailing the activities of the Initiative during the immediately preceding year, including the following:
(1)
A detailed overview of how appropriated funds were obligated and expended.
(2)
A description of the impact of the Initiative on countering malign influence in the Pacific region and strengthening regional security.
(3)
The effectiveness of the Initiative’s capacity-building efforts in Pacific Island countries.
(4)
Recommendations for additional resources or legislative actions to advance United States strategic objectives in the Pacific.
(e)
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2034 to carry out this section.