PROSPER in the Pacific Act

This bill would allow certain goods imported directly from 14 Pacific Island countries, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Palau, to enter the United States duty-free, similar to benefits given to the least-developed countries under existing trade law. A country could qualify only if the President finds it meets set standards, and countries that fail to protect worker rights, commit gross human rights violations, or fail to enforce environmental laws, including rules on illegal fishing, would be excluded. Income limits that normally apply under the existing trade preference program would not apply to these countries. The President would have to write a plan for negotiating free trade agreements with interested Pacific Island countries, set up a program to help these countries build export capacity, and report to Congress each year. The duty-free treatment would end after December 31, 2036.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Ed Case Democrat sponsor
• 1 cosponsors