Office of Insular Affairs

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has approved an exemption allowing State Driver’s Licensing Agencies to issue non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to eligible citizens of the Freely Associated States residing in the United States.

The exemption, effective May 14, 2026, through May 14, 2031, allows eligible citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia to obtain and renew non-domiciled CDLs, subject to annual renewal requirements. Applicants must present a valid, unexpired FSM passport and Form I-94 documentation.

Eligible individuals must:

• Reside in the U.S.
• Possess a valid, unexpired passport issued by a Freely Associated State
• Hold a valid Form I-94 or I-94A

This action helps expand workforce opportunities and supports greater access to commercial driving careers for citizens of the Freely Associated States living and working in communities across the United States.

Leadership from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs advocated for this change at the request of the Freely Associated State governments, supporting efforts to reduce barriers to employment and strengthen economic opportunity for FAS citizens residing in the United States.

Due to the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku on the CNMI and Guam, DOI will be extending our FY 2026 notices of funding opportunity (NOFOs) to June 8, 2026 (from May 18) on GrantSolutions and Grants.gov. The programs included are all under our assistance listing 15.875 and include the following programs:

OIA Technical Assistance Program 2026
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/f863346e-81fb-4c30-aeab-dc59754e2cdd

OIA Brown Treesnake Program 2026
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/896bca38-367b-41be-b1d2-66f6f6e264ed

OIA Maintenance Assistance Program 2026
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/1e679766-f68e-4f07-ad68-609e687ec3bb

FY 2026 Energizing Insular Communities Program
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/674800aa-362e-45d4-be83-fabf9c6ca918

OIA Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program 2026
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/5954b39b-33b5-4d30-9952-c9edccbf6cef

Celebrating Flag Day in American Samoa 🇦🇸

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs extends our sincere gratitude to Governor P**a and the people of American Samoa for the warm welcome and the opportunity to participate in this year’s Flag Day celebration.

Flag Day commemorates the historic moment in 1900 when the American flag was first raised over Tutuila and Aunu’u, marking the beginning of a lasting partnership grounded in shared history, service, faith, and opportunity. Today, we honor that enduring bond and the generations who continue to carry it forward.

We are especially proud to recognize the extraordinary military service of American Samoans, whose commitment to the United States Armed Forces reflects unmatched courage, loyalty and sacrifice.

This year’s celebration carries added significance as we mark Freedom 250, commemorating America’s 250th anniversary across states and territories. American Samoa’s heritage, culture, and contributions remain an essential part of our nation’s story.
Through the Office of Insular Affairs, the Department is proud to support this partnership with meaningful investments, including:

-$30,000 in grant funding to support educational and cultural activities tied to Flag Day and Freedom 250.

-More than $2 million in water infrastructure investments to strengthen public health and ensure reliable access to clean water

-$270,000 to support public education and outreach related to offshore mineral exploration and economic opportunity

These investments reflect our shared commitment to building strong, resilient communities and expanding opportunity for future generations.

As we celebrate, we honor the strength, unity and shared purpose that continue to define the relationship between American Samoa and the United States.

Fa’afetai tele lava for your hospitality, your leadership, and your stewardship of this proud tradition!

Office of Insular Affairs is grateful to President Donald J. Trump for the swift approval of emergency declarations supporting leaders in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam as they worked to safeguard lives and property amidst Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

We stand in full solidarity with our partners in CNMI, Guam and the people of Chuuk as they respond to impacts of the storm. The Department of the Interior remains committed to supporting response and recovery efforts across the insular areas during this challenging time.

Our hearts are with all those affected, and we recognize the courage, unity and perseverance demonstrated by island communities as they navigate the days ahead.

This week in the CNMI:

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands hosted its first-ever on-island Biosecurity Forum, bringing together local, federal and international partners to address invasive species and emerging marine threats.

Held this week on Saipan, the forum brought together local agencies, federal partners, and international experts to address growing threats from invasive species and emerging marine risks, while building long-term capacity to protect the islands’ environment, economy and way of life.

This milestone event marks an important step forward, including the development of CNMI’s first dedicated marine biosecurity plan, strengthening coordination across partners, and expanding focus from land-based to marine threats that impact coral reefs, fisheries and coastal communities.

Through continued collaboration and targeted investments, Interior is committed to supporting insular areas in safeguarding their natural resources for future generations.

Today, the United States marks Transfer Day, commemorating the 1917 transfer of the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark.

This historic moment reflects the islands’ rich and complex heritage, shaped by resilience, culture, and community.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Insular Affairs

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) has announced that applications for the FY2026 Technical Assistance Program (TAP), Maintenance Assistance Program (MAP), and Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources (CRNR) discretionary funding grants are now open. The deadline to apply is May 18, 2026.

Link to the Application Page: https://simpler.grants.gov/search?utm_source=Grants.gov&query=Insular+affairs&fbclid=IwY2xjawQzxcZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjTjlsc0xoemF5SDdwbWZJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHouHR9FEbECwXvl6s3vYEAtGqHb7GM7_tlQb2ZDBqxVl_1D_RpzipkP_aWon_aem_J9aeD6Aj5gP07TZ84rYPVg

Link to FAQ for applying to DOI Office of Insular Affairs Grants:

https://www.doi.gov/oia/financial-assistance

Today, we’re proud to launch the official page for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs.

At the 2026 Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) meeting, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum joined territorial governors, Members of Congress, Acting Assistant Secretary Bill Hague, Deputy Assistant Secretary Angel Demapan and Office of Insular Affairs staff to strengthen partnerships and advance shared priorities.

Follow along as we highlight the people, places and partnerships shaping the future of the insular areas.