The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) was established as an independent federal agency by Congress in 1975 (P.L. 94-118).  JUSFC administers a U.S. government trust fund that originated in connection with the return to the Japanese government of certain U.S. facilities in Okinawa and for postwar U.S. assistance to Japan.  As amended, it may also receive gifts of cash from outside sources.

JUSFC has authorization under P.L. 94-118 to spend up to approximately five percent of the principal in its trust funds, and any amount of its gift funds, without Congressional appropriation.  In the event of an appropriations hiatus, JUSFC will use a portion of its budgetary authority given to it by Congress, as well as its gift funds, to carry out and maintain activities through the period of any government shutdown.