Renewing the financial provisions of the Compact is essential to our nation's security posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

I think, after listening to the Chair's remarks, she has covered everything else so well. So, I should just yield.

there is no easy way that our nation will be able to maintain our influence in what is becoming an increasingly strategic, important, and contested area of the world without continuing our partnership with the COFA nations

The United States has enjoyed friendly relations with the Freely Associated States for more than four decades.

I want to commend Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for creating this Indo-Pacific Task Force to provide for a bipartisan process.

there is currently bipartisan support for renewing the Compacts

the United States has enjoyed friendly relations with the Freely Associated States for more than four decades

That decline in birth rate mirrors the overall population decline in the Marianas.

I agree with you, sir. Yet, I don't think it strengthens America's position in the region if our population there is shrinking.

I think it is important for Members to understand the Marianas is not the source of birth tourism problem.

I hope, Madam Chair, the Subcommittee will act on my legislation to shore up the larger U.S. position in the Western Pacific.