The 2010 Palau Compact Review Agreement finally gets funded following US President Donald Trump signing the $1.3 trillion spending bill into law on Friday. President Trump earlier called for $123.9 million to implement the agreement in his proposed budget for FY 2018.

US interior Secretary Ryan Zinke praised President Donald Trump for signing the 2018 Omnibus Funding Agreement which included funding to finalize the 2010 Palau Compact Review Agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau.

"On the behalf of Palau, I am very happy that the US Congress and President Trump have funded the 2010 Palau Compact Review Agreement demonstrating the continued US commitment to Palau and the western Pacific region," Said Secretary Zinke in a statement to the media.

"The agreement is an important element of the Pacific national security to maintain stability in the western Pacific Region. Interior has held a long, historic relationship with Palau and other US-affiliated Pacific Islands and we look forward to continuing our role on behalf of the US Government in providing these funds to the Government of Palau," continued the Secretary.

"We will be working closely with the State Department and other federal partners to move forward as quickly as possible, " added Assistant Secretary - Insular and International Affairs - Doug Domenech.

The US and Palau Governments will need to meet to update the funding schedule of the 2010 agreement which required specific annual outlays of funds. Included in the assistance are contributions to Palau Compact Trust Fund, a capital improvement program, and an infrastructure maintenance plan. The specifics of disbursements must be reaffirmed by the parties prior to the implementation of the agreement. (Source: DOI News Release)