SW Arkansas Times

The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing to discuss the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs' (OIA) efforts in the Pacific territories. The focus was on promoting economic prosperity and ensuring U.S. national security in these regions.

Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) emphasized the need for proactive support, stating, “It is more important than ever for us to be proactive in our support of the Pacific territories to keep our nation strong and secure. Chinese and North Korean aggression has grown in the region, and to ensure the safety of our Pacific territories, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, we must work closely with the Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs as we face these increasing threats.”

The U.S. Pacific territories are considered critical in countering attempts by China and North Korea to undermine U.S. leadership globally. These adversaries are reportedly using military aggression, illegal fishing activities, economic warfare, cyberattacks, espionage, and other coercive methods against Americans in these regions.

The OIA manages federal relations with U.S. territories where military bases provide strategic capabilities near China and North Korea. The office is crucial for fostering economic growth in these areas while managing relationships with territorial governments to uphold U.S. commitments.

The hearing included testimony from national security experts who discussed key issues for consideration by both DOI and OIA moving forward.