Bill > HR4955

This bill establishes the Pacific Counternarcotics Initiative, a program designed to help specific Pacific Island nations combat drug trafficking and its environmental consequences. The initiative aims to improve the seizure and destruction of "listed chemicals" (substances used in illegal drug production), reduce hazardous waste from drug trafficking, and enhance law enforcement capabilities in 16 Pacific nations, including Fiji, Palau, and Papua New Guinea. The Secretary of State will develop a comprehensive implementation plan within 90 days of the bill's enactment, which must include a 5-year strategy, specific measurable benchmarks, timelines, budgetary projections, and plans to address security vulnerabilities and corruption risks. The program will require annual progress reports to congressional committees, detailing the achievements of participating countries in destroying listed chemicals and improving interdiction efforts. Funding will come from existing authorized appropriations for foreign assistance, and the initiative involves coordination between the Departments of State, Defense, and Justice. The Secretary of State has the flexibility to modify the list of beneficiary countries by providing written notification to congressional committees. The overall goal is to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation, reduce environmental damage from drug production, and improve the capacity of Pacific Island nations to combat narcotics trafficking.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4955/all-info