Proposal To Widen U.S. Representation Expanded, by Joseph D'Agostino

On July 11, 2024, United States Senator Ben Cardin, included S. 4202 as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) - S. 4638.

Section 9211 of the NDAA describes a new “mission in a box” initiative. The language is similar to the original bill Sen. Risch introduced in April, however, island nations in the Caribbean and Pacific and Indian Oceans are no longer the focus. The amendment describes “all” small island nations. This change allows for a broader geographic region to establish new missions or embassies, while the original text was limited and steered toward competition with China.

According to the United Nations, there are roughly 60 small island developing states, and many more underdeveloped. Not only did the geographic region expand, but the amendment will also push the State Department to hire local staff to support the needs of the embassy. Hiring local staff to maintain the property, coordinate shipping logistics, and provide government relations guidance will greatly benefit the local community and DOS staff.

Unfortunately, the sunset was reduced from 10 years to five years, which may cause issues in construction and hiring. The State Department should partner with local NGO’s or IGO’s so their presence is known, and relationships can begin to form among officials. Maintaining a presence on the island with or without a physical embassy shows dedication and commitment by the U.S. Over the past year the State Department has already started organizing and managing new embassies in the Pacific islands; these include Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Kiribati.This amendment will help further expand U.S. presence in search of new partners and security. 

Next Steps: S. 4638 was voted out of the Committee on Armed Services and is now on the Senate Legislative Calendar. Unfortunately, congress will be in summer recess starting August 5th. Once the Senate returns, the bill will be voted on on the Senate floor.

Mr. D'Agostino works at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Court in the Office of Legislative Affairs.