[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 19 (Tuesday, March 3, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 OPPOSITION TO H.R. 856, UNITED STATES-PUERTO RICO POLITICAL STATUS ACT

  (Mr. WICKER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WICKER. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to know there is bipartisan 
opposition to H.R. 856, the United States-Puerto Rico Political Status 
Act, which we will be asked to vote on tomorrow.
  Over the past few weeks, I have received a lot of conflicting 
information regarding Puerto Rican statehood. Some say statehood will 
cost the taxpayers $3.5 billion. Others say it will result in a $2.5 
billion benefit. Which is true? I cannot be sure, and the American 
people do not know the truth yet either.
  When I was home this weekend, I asked several folks what they thought 
of Puerto Rico becoming the 51st State. Most of my constituents did not 
even realize Congress was considering such a vote. We should not vote 
on such an important bill when our voters are not fully informed.
  During my time in Congress, I have generally been supportive of my 
leadership. But I say to the Republican leadership today that they are 
making a grave mistake. I believe they have misjudged the will and 
understanding of the American people. They do not know enough about 
this legislation, they do not know it is coming. Americans are going to 
wake up Thursday morning with Puerto Rico well on its way to becoming 
the 51st star in the flag and they are going to say, why were we not 
consulted?
  I urge my leadership to pull this measure and give the American 
people an opportunity to make an informed decision.

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