Andy Barr actually said...

"It's essential that Congress assert its authority in showing that we are not just interested but invested in an enduring relationship with our Pacific Island partners."

"Legislation like this shows that these communities are very important and that we're interested in a relationship with the Pacific Islands because we see mutual benefit built upon decades of trust."

"This legislation ensures that we are taking a whole of government approach to efficiently and effectively engage with our partners in the Pacific."

"This legislation builds off of a successive Administration's actions to strengthen the United States engagement in the Indo-Pacific."