[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 85 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H5391-H5392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       GUAM CENTENNIAL RESOLUTION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pease). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced the Guam 
Centennial Resolution, which commemorates the 100-year-old relationship 
between Guam and the United States. My colleagues have heard me speak 
many times before about the importance of this centennial for the 
people of Guam. It is a time to commemorate, to educate, and to reflect 
upon what 100 years of American rule has brought to our island. The 
Guam Centennial Resolution incorporates these functions within a six-
page document.
  To commemorate means to honor or to observe. As the people of Guam 
commemorate 100 years under American rule, we are not only observing 
America's official claim on Guam, we are also honoring the men and 
women who have come before us, those who were instrumental in laying 
the groundwork for Guam's economic, political, and social well-being. 
We honor such individuals as B.J. Bordallo, Aguenda Johnston and 
Antonio Won Pat.
  As for commemorating our economic and social experiences over these 
past 100 years, the people of Guam experience conflicted emotions when 
recalling the end of the Spanish-American War and the beginning of 
America's colonial reach into the Pacific. For although we enjoy many 
of the benefits of being an American territory, there are issues such 
as our political status which have yet to be resolved, despite a solemn 
commitment made years ago by the Federal Government.
  I remind the House that the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-
American War, and which the United States was obligated to resolve the 
political and civil rights for the native inhabitants of Guam.
  The commemoration of Guam's centennial anniversary invites us to 
reflect about the meaning of these events which occurred then; and 
contemplating what Guam has undergone these past 100 years helps us 
forge ahead with effective policies for the next 100 years. 
Commemoration and reflection are linked to a third element which is 
education. Events and activities used to commemorate and reflect on 
this centennial are essentially educational in nature.
  Considering the mixed feelings associated with 1998, Guam's history 
emerges as an important tool in understanding the previous 100 years. 
In 1898, after the U.S. defeated Spain in the Spanish-American War, 
Guam, along with the Philippines and Puerto Rico, were ceded to the 
United States for a sum of $20 million.

[[Page H5392]]

  Guam was governed by the American Department of the Navy and defined 
as an unincorporated territory, meaning it is not part of the United 
States, but is owned by the United States.
  After hardships endured during World War I and World War II, Guam 
remained under American rule, and in 1950, the people of Guam were 
finally declared American citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, I have briefly glossed over almost 100 years of Guam's 
history. Yet even from what I have mentioned, it is sometimes difficult 
to discern why there should be a certain ambivalence about American 
rule. For one thing, I did not mention that Congress, this body and the 
Senate, are obligated to determine the political status of Guam's 
native inhabitants. However, even after 100 years, this issue still has 
not been resolved.
  The Guam Centennial Resolution is a form of commemoration, reflection 
and education. It commemorates the courageous story of a proud people 
from the pre-European contact period to our existence under the 
American flag today. It reflects on Guam's path to resolving its 
political status and calls on the House of Representatives to affirm 
its commitment for increased self-government for the people of Guam. It 
educates by detailing Guam's political history and our continued quest 
for increased self-determination.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the Republican and Democratic leadership, both 
Speaker Gingrich and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), as 
well as the leaders of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from 
Alaska (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller), 
as well as over 50 of my colleagues who have agreed to be cosponsors of 
the Guam Centennial Resolution. Such strong support for this resolution 
demonstrates this chamber's ongoing commitment to the people of Guam.
  I realize that it is difficult at times to understand the aspirations 
of a people located 9,500 miles from Washington, D.C., a people whose 
closest neighbors are Asian and Pacific Nations. However, the 
introduction of the Guam Centennial Resolution is yet another step in 
increasing this body's and this Nation's understanding of Guam and its 
unique role in the American family.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize Senator Akaka of the other body 
who has introduced a companion resolution in that other body.
  Mr. Speaker, I beg my colleagues in the House to support H.Res. 494.

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