H.R. 9508: Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act

This bill would direct Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to create a new Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative within 180 days of enactment. The initiative would be run through HSI offices in Honolulu and Guam, along with other HSI offices the agency chooses to involve.

What the initiative would do

The bill says the initiative’s main purpose is to strengthen U.S. ties with Pacific Island countries and help those countries deal with transnational crime. In practical terms, HSI would be expected to:

• Increase law enforcement cooperation with Pacific Island countries through regular visits by U.S. law enforcement personnel and joint operations.
• Provide training, technical assistance, and resource sharing to help those countries fight criminal networks that operate across borders.
• Support a forward-deployed U.S. law enforcement presence in the region, so personnel can more quickly and frequently work with Pacific Island governments.
• Address foreign influence concerns in the Pacific by focusing on crime-related security issues and promoting rule of law, transparency, and good governance.
• Advance U.S. regional influence by making the United States a preferred partner for Pacific Island countries.
• Support regional stability and economic resilience by helping improve infrastructure, technology, and other resources tied to security and development.

Staffing requirements

The bill would require HSI to assign at least four full-time equivalent personnel to the initiative. These staff would be supervised by an Assistant Special Agent in Charge based in Honolulu. Of the four personnel, two would be stationed in Honolulu and two in Guam.

Reporting to Congress

Within one year after the initiative is created, and then every year after that, HSI would have to send Congress a report describing:

• How the money was spent;
• What effect the initiative had on countering malign influence and improving regional security;
• How effective the capacity-building efforts were in Pacific Island countries; and
• Whether more funding or new laws are needed to further U.S. goals in the Pacific.

Funding

The bill authorizes $5 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2034 to carry out the initiative.

Relevant Companies

None found.