Establishing a senior official for the Compacts of Free Association at the Department of State

(a) In general The Secretary of State shall designate a senior official at the Department of State responsible for administering the Compacts of Free Association (in this section referred to as the “Compacts”) at the Department of State (in this section referred to as the “Senior Official”). The Senior Official shall report to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. (b) Duties The Senior Official shall— (1) be responsible for the conduct of United States foreign policy with respect to the countries affiliated with the United States Government under the Compacts, namely the freely associated states of— (A) the Republic of Palau; (B) the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and (C) the Federated States of Micronesia; (2) assist the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs in providing overall direction, coordination, and supervision of interdepartmental activities of the United States Government in these countries, including ensuring the timely transfer of assistance and provision of benefits through the United States Department of the Interior, as specified in the Compacts; (3) oversee and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of United States policy with respect to these countries as well as of the plans, programs, resources, and performance for implementing that policy, including programs and other activities implemented by the Department of the Interior; (4) directly supervise the policy and operations of the Compacts and provide guidance to relevant United States missions within the Indo-Pacific region; (5) ensure the provision of an adequate, regular flow of information to posts abroad on United States Government policies, policy deliberations, and diplomatic exchanges in Washington, D.C.; and (6) ensure the continuity of implementation of commitments and Compact obligations and benefits, consistent with United States national interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (c) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $250,000 to support the Senior Official in the conduct and discharge of the duties described in subsection (b).