To reinforce American leadership in the Pacific region, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) on Aug. 9 sponsored bipartisan legislation to establish three new United States embassies.
“Strengthening relationships in the Pacific will help counter the Chinese Communist Party’s [CCP’s] Belt and Road initiative in the region and greatly advantage the United States in its ongoing competition with the CCP,” Rep. Barr said.
The congressman introduced the Pacific Islands Embassies Act, H.R. 8683, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-HI) to establish U.S. embassies in the Republic of Vanuatu, the Republic of Kiribati, and the Kingdom of Tonga. The measure is the companion bill to the same-named S. 4648, introduced on July 27 by U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).
“I want to thank Congressman Case, Senator Young, and Senator Ossoff for partnering with me on this bicameral, bipartisan bill that I hope becomes law soon,” added Rep. Barr.
In a statement, Sen. Young pointed out that to confront China’s encroachment in the Pacific, the United States needs to be diplomatically present there.
“Our bill will help establish this vital American voice with key Pacific Island nations, demonstrating our commitment to allies and our leadership in the Indo-Pacific,” he said. “I’m glad this effort is being taken up by my colleagues in the House who share my concerns about China’s actions in the Pacific.”