[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1707-E1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE 3.8 MILLION AMERICAN CITIZENS OF PUERTO RICO DESERVE THE 
     OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME ECONOMICALLY SOLVENT AND SELF-SUFFICIENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 1996

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my concern for our 
fellow citizens in Puerto Rico, who have been greatly affected by our 
recent action to eliminate economic development incentives under 
section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code without providing them with an 
alternative program. In dealing with important national issues such as 
the increase on minimum wage we must not ignore the needs of the people 
of Puerto Rico, my homeland. The 3.8 million American citizens of

[[Page E1708]]

Puerto Rico deserve the opportunity to become economically solvent and 
self-sufficient. We must work hand in hand with the island to develop a 
sound economic development program that helps achieve those goals. I 
believe we must consider improvements and expansion of a wage credit 
for Puerto Rico under existing legislation. I urge my colleagues to 
give prompt attention to this issue early next year.

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