S.Amdt. 2950

SA 2950, submitted by Mr. Schatz, aims to add a new section to bill S. 2296. The purpose of this amendment is to require a report that analyzes whether it is feasible to attach Department of State consular officers to Navy and Coast Guard missions in Pacific Island countries.

The amendment highlights that citizens in these countries face difficulties accessing consular services because of remote locations, a lack of embassies, and infrequent flights. It states that strengthening relations with these partners is in the national security interests of the United States.

The proposed addition requires the Secretary of Defense to work with the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, and the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard to provide a report to specific House and Senate committees.

The report must include:

• An assessment of the current demand for and challenges regarding consular services for Pacific Island citizens.
• An estimate of the time and resources citizens would save.
• The costs that would be incurred by the Department of State, Navy, Coast Guard, and Indo-Pacific Command, including cost-effective alternatives.
• Data on the frequency, duration, and potential mission disruptions of Coast Guard and Navy deployments.
• An evaluation of logistics, such as vessel spacing, IT connectivity, visa printing feasibility, security for personnel and equipment, and impacts on vessel operations.