HI SR74

Urges Congress to classify citizens of the Freely Associated States (Palau, Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia) who lawfully reside in the United States as "qualified aliens" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Acknowledges the historic sacrifices of Freely Associated States citizens, including use of their atolls for 67 nuclear tests from 1946 to 1958 without consent and ongoing U.S. military occupation for the National Missile Defense Program.

Notes that citizens of the Freely Associated States serve in the U.S. military at some of the highest per-capita recruitment rates compared to any U.S. state.

Highlights that current law denies Freely Associated States citizens residing in the United States access to federal benefits including Medicaid, Social Security Income, food stamps, and housing assistance available to other legal immigrants.

Supports passage of H.R. 912, "Restoring Medicaid for Compact of Free Association Migrants Act of 2013," to restore Medicaid coverage and alleviate Hawaii's uncompensated medical costs for these residents.