CORE Pacific Act
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The CORE Pacific Act would direct the Secretary of State, working with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the Chief of Naval Operations, to study whether State Department consular officers could be attached to Coast Guard and Navy missions in Pacific Island countries. Within 120 days of enactment, they would have to submit a report to eight specified House and Senate committees examining demand for consular services in the region, potential time and cost savings for residents of Pacific Island countries without a U.S. embassy, the costs to the agencies involved, deployment patterns of Coast Guard and Navy vessels, and logistical issues such as onboard space, technology needs, visa printing, security, and staffing.
The bill also states a "sense of Congress" that Pacific Island countries, particularly the Freely Associated States, are important strategic partners and that strengthening ties with them serves U.S. national security interests. The measure itself does not create any new consular program; it only requires analysis and reporting. It would primarily affect the Department of State, the Coast Guard, the Navy, and Indo-Pacific Command, as well as residents of Pacific Island nations who might eventually benefit from more accessible consular services.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2026, by Senator Brian Schatz with several cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It would need committee consideration and votes in both chambers before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5131 do?
- The CORE Pacific Act would direct the Secretary of State, working with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the Chief of Naval Operations, to study whether State Department consular officers could be attached to Coast Guard and Navy missions in Pacific Island countries. Within 120 days of enactment, they would have to submit a report to eight specified House and Senate committees examining demand for consular services in the region, potential time and cost savings for residents of Pacific Island countries without a U.S. embassy, the costs to the agencies involved, deployment patterns of Coast Guard and Navy vessels, and logistical issues such as onboard space, technology needs, visa printing, security, and staffing. The bill also states a "sense of Congress" that Pacific Island countries, particularly the Freely Associated States, are important strategic partners and that strengthening ties with them serves U.S. national security interests. The measure itself does not create any new consular program; it only requires analysis and reporting. It would primarily affect the Department of State, the Coast Guard, the Navy, and Indo-Pacific Command, as well as residents of Pacific Island nations who might eventually benefit from more accessible consular services. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2026, by Senator Brian Schatz with several cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It would need committee consideration and votes in both chambers before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
- Has S. 5131 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, S. 5131 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5131?
- S. 5131 was sponsored by Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI] (Democrat-HI), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5131?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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