The Marshall Islands this week joined the FSM and the Republic of Palau in renewing their political relationships with the U.S. Now that all three Compacts of Free Association deals are done, the agreements will go before Congress for final ratification.

Earlier this year a nine-member congressional delegation made an unprecedented trip to all three compact nations that underscored the importance of the region to U.S. interests.

It's a point made by ranking member Congresswoman Teresa Leger-Fernandez during a House Natural Resources Committee briefing today on the negotiations.

 "You know it was really key because we had the objective to meet with our friends and allies on the islands where they live, the islands that they cherish and protect," she said. "We saw amazing conservation efforts as well as the security challenges posed by China and other nations who encroach on their territorial waters. I know that my colleagues and I on both sides of the aisle came away with a deeper appreciation of the relationship that has developed between us and the people of the freely associated states."

In his testimony, special presidential envoy to the compact negotiations Ambassador Joseph Yun said, "These agreements provide the enduring ties between our people and the vital national security interests at play in the Pacific.

"Under the Compacts the United States has full authority and responsibility for defense and security matters in and relating to the Freely Associated States," he said. "This investment is key to maintaining the stability and prosperity of our closest Pacific island neighbors and partners. To that end, I'm proud of the work of our team to conclude negotiations and finalize agreements that would extend compact-related U.S. economic assistance for the FAS for another 20 years."

It will now be up to Congress to ratify the deals signed by the Biden administration with the FSM, Palau and the Marshalls.