House Concurrent Resolution 21 (HCR 21) and Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 (SCR 16) represent a formal legislative commitment by the State of Oregon to recognize the history, sacrifices, and legal rights of citizens from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations (the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau).
While separate measures from different sessions, they share the unified goal of rectifying historical inequities faced by COFA Islanders.
1. Historical Recognition & Sacrifice
Both resolutions explicitly acknowledge the unique “special relationship” between the U.S. and COFA nations. Key historical points highlighted include:
- The Nuclear Legacy: The resolutions honor the Marshallese people for their sacrifice during the period of U.S. nuclear testing in the Pacific, which had devastating long-term health and environmental consequences.
- Military Service: They recognize that COFA citizens serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at a higher per capita rate than citizens of many U.S. states, illustrating a deep commitment to American security despite their “non-immigrant” status.
2. Declarations of Legislative Intent
The resolutions serve as a “roadmap” for future policy. They declare that Oregon intends to be a national leader in providing equity for COFA residents by:
- Codifying Safety Net Access: SCR 16 specifically declared the intent to introduce legislation (targeted for the 2024 session) to ensure COFA Islanders have the right to receive all state-level safety net benefits—such as food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (TANF), and medical care—on par with other Oregon residents.
- Ending Discrimination: The resolutions acknowledge that the 1996 Federal Welfare Reform Act inadvertently stripped COFA citizens of many benefits they previously held. Oregon pledges to fill those gaps at the state level.
3. Support for Integration
Beyond benefits, these measures emphasize the importance of social and economic integration:
- Education: Affirming support for programs like those at Eastern Oregon University, which has historically provided dedicated services to Micronesian students.
- Civil Rights: Reaffirming that COFA Islanders are legal residents of Oregon who pay taxes and contribute to the local economy, and therefore deserve the same dignity and protections as any other Oregonian.
More helpful links
- Click here for House Resolution
- Click here for Senate Resolution
