Congress 'gradually destroying' US relations with Pacific ally, Marshall Islands president warns

Hilda Heine, the president of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, has warned relations with the US are "gradually being destroyed by party politics" as Congress delays approval of crucial funding for the Pacific nation. US lawmakers have not yet passed funding packages agreed in 2023 with the Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), in a move some argue is opening the door to China to build its influence in the Pacific region. "Members of the Congress have to understand that the funds that the US has agreed to provide ... did not come because of…