Foreign Relations: Better Accountability Needed Over U.S. Assistance to Micronesia and the Marshall Islands
Abstract
In 1986, the U.S. government entered into a Compact of Free Association (Compact) with the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Compact granted these former Trust Territory districts their independence and provided a framework for future governmental relations. The Compact provided for 15 years of direct U.S. payments made by the Department of the Interior to the bank accounts of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The direct payments from Interior were to be used for such purposes as capital construction projects, energy production, communication capabilities, and recurring operational activities, such as infrastructure maintenance. The Compact and its enacting legislation also gave U.S. federal agencies the authority to provide other assistance such as grants, loans, equipment, and technical assistance. Under the Compact's enacting legislation and by executive order, Interior is designated as the agency responsible for supervising, coordinating, and monitoring the federal assistance programs being provided. Interior's Office of Insular Affairs is responsible for carrying out these responsibilities. In addition, the Compact provided for continuing financial compensation to the Republic of the Marshall Islands for effects from the tests of U.S. nuclear weapons in the islands during the 1940s and 1950s.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378072
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office