[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E529-E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING 100 YEARS OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED 
         STATES AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, H. RES. 404

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 31, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce today a Resolution 
commemorating 100 years of relations between the people of the United 
States and the people of the Philippines. It is right and fitting that 
the House of Representatives makes note of the special relationship 
that the United States and the Philippines have shared for nearly a 
century.
  The beginning of our country's relationship with the Philippines in 
1898 also marked the beginning of our great interest in the Pacific and 
the development of strong, robust historical and cultural ties between 
the Philippines and the United States. To its credit, the Philippines 
has modeled its governmental institutions of those of the United States 
and they share our commitment to democracy, human rights and free 
market economics.
  Though the United States and the Philippines are literally an ocean 
apart, the large Philippine-American community, numbering over 2 
million, has immeasurably enriched the social and cultural fabric of 
the United States and serves as a sturdy bridge of friendship between 
the two countries.
  Until the end of the Cold War, the United States maintained major 
military facilities in the Philippines which played a significant role 
in the maintenance of regional peace and stability. The United States 
has important strategic, economic and political interests at stake in 
Southeast Asia and in maintaining stability remains an overriding U.S. 
security concern in the region. To this end, Filipino soldiers have 
stood shoulder to shoulder with American troops on the battlefields of 
World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to protect and advance these mutual 
interests. Today, the Philippines remains an important partner and ally 
in guarding the peace and maintaining stability in Southeast Asia.
  The United States is pleased with the flourishing of democracy in the 
Philippines. It is hoped that the Philippines will serve as an example 
to others in the region and will encourage progress in the furthering 
of democratic principles and practices, respect for human rights, and 
the enhancement of the rule of law.
  The Philippines and the United States are increasingly important 
trading partners providing the United States with significant 
commercial opportunities. The Philippines is the twenty-first largest 
trading partner of the United

[[Page E530]]

States and constitutes a large market for U.S. exports. I am confident 
that despite current economic uncertainties, the Philippines will 
weather the troubles plaguing Asia and emerge even stronger than 
before.
  The Congress looks forward to a broadening and deepening of 
friendship and cooperation with the Philippines in the years ahead for 
the mutual benefit of the peoples of the United States and the 
Philippines.
  I am pleased to have this opportunity to introduce this legislation 
and I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support 
this Resolution commemorating the distinctive ties between the people 
of these two great nations.
  I insert the entire text of this resolution in the Record.

                              H. Res. 404

       Whereas 1998 marks 100 years of special ties between the 
     people of the United States and the people of the Philippines 
     and is also the centennial celebration of Philippine 
     independence from Spain which initiated relations with the 
     United States;
       Whereas the people of the Philippines have on many 
     occasions demonstrated their strong commitment to democratic 
     principles and practices, the free exchange of views on 
     matters of public concern, and the development of a strong 
     civil society;
       Whereas the Philippines has embraced economic reform and 
     free market principles and, despite current challenging 
     circumstances, its economy has registered significant 
     economic growth in recent years benefiting the lives of the 
     people of the Philippines;
       Whereas the large Philippine-American community has 
     immeasurably enriched the fabric of American society and 
     culture;
       Whereas Filipino soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with 
     American troops on the battlefields of World War II, Korea, 
     and Vietnam;
       Whereas the Philippines is an increasingly important 
     trading partner of the United States as well as the recipient 
     of significant direct American investment;
       Whereas the United States relies on the Philippines as a 
     partner and treaty ally in fostering regional stability, 
     enhancing prosperity, and promoting peace and democracy; and
       Whereas the 100th anniversary of relations between the 
     people of the United States and the people of the Philippines 
     offers an opportunity for the United States and the 
     Philippines to renew their commitment to international 
     cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the Philippines on the commemoration of 
     its independence from Spain;
       (2) looks forward to a broadening and deepening of 
     friendship and cooperation with the Philippines in the years 
     ahead for the mutual benefit of the people of the United 
     States and the people of the Philippines;
       (3) supports the efforts of the Philippines to further 
     strengthen democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the 
     expansion of free market economics both at home and abroad; 
     and
       (4) recognizes the close relationship between the nations 
     and the people of the United States and the people of the 
     Philippines and pledges its support to work closely with the 
     Philippines in addressing new challenges as we begin our 
     second century of friendship and cooperation.

     

                          ____________________