[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 22 (Friday, March 6, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1498-S1499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         STATUS OF PUERTO RICO

  Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, inscribed on the corridors of this 
Capitol are the words of William Henry Harrison, spoken at his 
Presidential inauguration in 1841. He said: ``The only legitimate right 
to govern is an express grant of power from the governed.''
  Indeed, the very principle of the consent of the governed is the 
foundation of this democratic society. That issue was at question in 
the House of Representatives this week when the Congress considered the 
issue of the political status of Puerto Rico.
  I believe it is clear that it is not in the interest of these United 
States to leave the 20th century, with it being claimed in any quarter 
of this globe, that the United States is in an involuntary political 
arrangement with any peoples. The unfinished business of American 
democracy is the political status of Puerto Rico.
  The history of the 20th century for the United States have been the 
constant expansion of enfranchisement of the governed. Within this 
century, we have either guaranteed or attempted to assure the right to 
participate in our democracy to women and, through the struggle of 
civil rights, for African Americans.
  In 1913, we changed the U.S. Constitution to ensure that all citizens 
of the United States could participate in choosing Members of this 
Senate. In 1971, we extended the right to vote for those who are 18 
years old. And, indeed, also in this century, we ensured this 
enfranchisement was expanded geographically to include the citizens of 
Hawaii and Alaska.
  But this only begs the question of the unanswered issue since 1898, 
at the end of the Spanish-American War, of what is to be done with the 
arrangement of the people of Puerto Rico and the Government of the 
United States. It is an issue that has come before this Congress 
continuously. In 1917, Congress granted citizenship to the people of 
Puerto Rico. In 1952, Congress revisited the issue to provide 
commonwealth under American jurisdiction.
  And yet, the issue continues, because the full rights of citizenship 
granted to those of the 50 States remain withheld to the people of 
Puerto Rico. The people of Puerto Rico are subject to laws and 
regulations passed by this legislative body, yet they have no voting 
representation. The people of Puerto Rico are led by a President and 
Vice President exercising full executive authority, but they cannot 
vote to choose that executive leadership.
  The people of Puerto Rico hold citizenship in a country whose 
legislature can take away or compromise their rights of citizenship at 
any moment. The legislation passed by the House of Representatives, 
legislation which I was proud to cosponsor--indeed, originally authored 
when I was a Member of that body--redresses this injustice.
  This legislation does not mandate a political choice for the people 
of Puerto Rico. Whether or not Puerto Rico ultimately becomes a State 
of this Union is a question for the people of Puerto Rico, and only for 
the people of Puerto Rico, to decide. Whether or not the people of 
Puerto Rico are able to exercise that choice is a responsibility of 
this Congress.
  I do not believe that this Congress should express itself on that 
issue. Whether or not the choice is statehood, independence, or 
commonwealth is only a matter for the people of Puerto Rico. But as 
certainly as it is our responsibility that the people of Puerto Rico 
have a right to exercise that choice, it is our responsibility in the 
United States to ensure they exercise it honestly, with legitimate 
choices.
  The bill authorizes Puerto Rico to hold a referendum by the end of 
1998 as to whether or not to remain a commonwealth, seek independence, 
or choose statehood. If a majority of citizens were to decide to seek 
independence or statehood, then the President would submit legislation 
to the Congress outlining a transition plan that would culminate in 10 
years.
  Then, the people of Puerto Rico would take to the polls once again to 
approve or reject the plan. If it were passed by a majority of the 
people of Puerto Rico, then the President would submit legislation to 
the Congress recommending a date to end the transition period. Then, 
for a third time the people of Puerto Rico would vote again on the 
issue of self-governance.
  This is an extensive and a complicated plan for final political 
status. It is important that these three votes be held over an 
extensive transition period, because as history has made clear, any 
judgment to join this Union is irreversible and it is final. A decision 
on statehood is made once and never made again.
  Mr. President, I understand that there are some Members of the Senate 
who are concerned about this legislation because of its impact on our 
Union. I believe that a decision by the Puerto Rican people, if they 
make it in their own judgment, is in the interests of this Union.
  The United States would be enriched culturally. Indeed, it would make 
clear that the bridge that the United States has enjoyed for so long 
culturally to Europe is equally as strong with the peoples of Latin 
America. Indeed, I believe all Americans would be proud and enriched by 
this judgment.
  Mr. President, that, of course, is a decision for the people of 
Puerto Rico to make. But if they make it, I hope

[[Page S1499]]

people in our country and Members of the Senate will welcome their 
judgment.
  But on this day, Mr. President, I call upon the Energy and Natural 
Resources Committee to immediately commence hearings on the important 
Puerto Rico self-determination bill. I join with Senator Graham and 
Senator Craig in offering this legislation. I hope the people of Puerto 
Rico can be proud that this Senate will await their judgment and will 
offer them this opportunity.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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