H.R. 562: BLUE Pacific Act

This bill requires or authorizes activities to strengthen U.S. relations with Pacific Islands countries, which include the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.

The bill authorizes various activities in the Pacific Islands, including to

• assist in improving public health outcomes and build public health capacity;
• assist in promoting the dissemination of free and accurate information;
• promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals;
• provide assistance to promote sustainable and quality basic education;
• assist with workforce development;
• build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions;
• expand trade and promote regional development;
• enhance preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies;
• support sustainable fisheries policies and marine biodiversity conservation;
• support expanded access to broadband and telecommunications infrastructure; and
• support cybersecurity, including by assisting with development and implementation of incident response plans.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.