[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 119 (Thursday, September 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10177-S10181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, today I rise to honor Hispanic Americans.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from
September 15 to October 15.
This month-long observation, established in 1968, is now a
celebration of the history and achievements of Hispanic Americans.
During the August recess, among the many visits I made throughout my
state, I had the opportunity to once again visit the historic city of
St. Augustine.
A visit to St. Augustine is always very special but this time it was
more so because accompanying me on this trip were my triplet
granddaughters. I took advantage of this occasion to teach my
granddaughters about the rich and wonderful history of St. Augustine,
of Florida and of our Nation. And they taught me something about the
thrill of seeing castles and historic sites for the first time through
the fresh eyes of a 3-year old.
Hispanic presence in what is now the United States began long before
our Nation existed.
In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon sailed from Puerto Rico to the east coast
of Florida.
A Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon is best remembered as the
discoverer of Florida and for his early attempts to colonize in 1521.
He was also the first Governor of Puerto Rico which today is home to
3.8 million U.S. citizens.
In 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, another Spanish explorer,
established St. Augustine, the first permanent European settlement in
what is now the United States. This settlement predated the Jamestown
colony in Virginia by more than 40 years.
When he reached the shores of La Florida, Menendez de Aviles and his
crew celebrated with a feast with the Native American Indians of the
region, by bringing red wine, roast pig and garbanzo beans. Thus began
another part of our rich Hispanic heritage.
Nearly 300 years later, the United States was rapidly developing and
experiencing its first 50 years of democracy. Hispanic Americans played
their role in that development.
The first Hispanic American to serve in the Congress was Joseph
Marion Hernandez, who was elected in 1822 as a Delegate to the U.S.
Congress from the territory of Florida. Today there are 5,170 Hispanic
elected officials nationwide, 81 of them proudly serving in my State of
Florida.
Of the 18 Hispanic Members of the 105th Congress, two are from
Florida, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who in 1989 became the
first Hispanic woman Member of Congress and her fellow Cuban-American
Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart.
Today Florida is an example of the rich diversity of this country, as
we have residents from all the Spanish speaking countries of the world.
Sadly, many of these residents came to this country from countries
such as Cuba and Nicaragua seeking refuge from persecution and denial
of basic human rights which they were denied in their homeland.
These residents hold a strong patriotic fervor for their new land in
the United States equally with their hopes of restoring liberty and
democracy to their former home in Cuba. They will return to a
democratic Cuba with their experience in the United States being a
significant contribution, whether they are there on a permanent or a
temporary basis, to the restoration of that island nation, which has
suffered so long under autocratic rule.
The latest Census Bureau figures now estimate that the U.S. Hispanic
population nears 30 million, representing 11 percent of the total
population of the United States.
The Bureau also estimates that by the year 2005 Hispanics will be the
single largest minority group in this country.
Hispanic Americans have achieved notable success in every aspect of
our society.
It is important to highlight the level of entrepreneurial spirit that
Hispanic Americans bring to the work force, leading to economic growth
for all Americans. According to the Small Business Administration, the
largest growing sector of small businesses are owned by Hispanic women.
Hispanic owned businesses have grown three times faster than the
average of all business growth in the United States.
Hispanic Americans have played, and will continue to play, a key role
in our country's future.
[[Page S10178]]
The commitment of Hispanic Americans to this country's ideal of
freedom and democracy have never faltered.
Hispanic Americans have volunteered and served this country with
distinction in every branch of our nation's armed services and their
sacrifices on the field of combat are ample evidence of their patriotic
commitment.
The fact that there are forty-two Hispanic Congressional Medal of
Honor winners is a most eloquent testimony of this commitment to
freedom and democracy.
In March 1997 Senator Larry Craig and I, along with a bi-partisan
colaition of our colleagues introduced S. 472 to provide the nearly 4
million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico with a congressionally sanctioned
plebescite to democratically vote on their future political status.
On more than one occasion I have spoken of our moral commitment to
answer the legitimate request for self-determination by our fellow
citizens who are residents of Puerto Rico.
On July 25 of this year, Puerto Rico commemorated the 100th
anniversary of the arrival of U.S. Major General Nelson Miles and his
troops on Puerto Rico's shores. On that historic occasion 100 years
ago, General Miles declared that the United States came, to use his
words, ``bearing the banner of freedom * * * the fostering arm of a
nation of free people, whose greatest power is in justice and humanity
to all those living within its fold.''
One hundred years after those valiant actions and eloquent words, the
U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico continue to wait for the fulfillment of
that promise of justice and humanity. For the last century, they have
been denied the most fundamental right of a free people, the right to
choose their own political destiny.
One of the most fundamental principles of our nationhood was
expressed in the Declaration of Independence when our forefathers
wrote:
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life,
Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these
Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their
just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.
That, Mr. President, is what our Founding Fathers wrote over 200
years ago. Now the challenge we face in 1998 is whether we are prepared
to live by those principles of consent of the governed.
Today I am here to ask, what better way to honor all Hispanic
Americans, to commemorate their sacrifices and contributions to our
great Nation, than to provide the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico with
their long frustrated dream of political self-determination?
Earlier this year, our colleagues in the House passed a bill
authorizing a plebiscite, a plebiscite to initiate self-determination.
The Senate has closely examined this issue through a series of hearings
and workshops conducted by Energy Committee Chairman Murkowski. After
careful and exhaustive deliberations, Senator Murkowski has drafted a
bill which simply authorizes a self-determination process for Puerto
Rico. Senator Murkowski's bill is straightforward; it is fair; it
recognizes and respects Puerto Rico's local political dynamics and
delivers the much-needed congressional endorsement of this process.
We have before us a rare opportunity, an opportunity to support
democracy in action. Senator Murkowski's bill should be given full
consideration before the adjournment of this Congress. This is an issue
that will not go away. The historic significance of the U.S. Congress
acting to give the people of Puerto Rico the reality of what General
Miles spoke in his eloquent words of justice and humanity 100 years ago
is an opportunity that we should not let pass. It is our historic
opportunity and responsibility to our fellow citizens to honor
Hispanic-Americans by providing self-determination to the U.S. citizens
of Puerto Rico. Let us make 1998 memorable not because it is the 100th
anniversary of U.S. troops landing in Puerto Rico but, rather, because
this is the year and this is the Congress which commemorated Hispanic
Heritage Month and honored all Hispanic-Americans by keeping its
promise of democracy to the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record
a series of newspaper editorials in support of self-determination for
the U.S. citizens who are residents of Puerto Rico.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
It's Undemocratic To Deny American Citizens a Voice
One hundred years ago, during the Spanish-American war, the
U.S. troops who took over the Spanish colony of Puerto Rico
were enthusiastically greeted by most of the islanders. After
all, the United States of America represented liberty and
democracy to the world; the future of Puerto Rico looked
bright, indeed.
A century later, Puerto Rico are American citizens, but
they are not allowed to vote in presidential elections or to
elect voting representatives to Congress.
Puerto Ricans have fought and died under the American flag
in every war since 1917 and are eligible for the military
draft, yet they have no voice in selecting the president or
the Congress that could send them to war.
Under a government of the people, by the people and for the
people, it seems unfitting that the United States has never
formally consulted the 3.8 million American citizens of
Puerto Rico on their future. Oh, a few elections have been
held within the commonwealth, but the voting process, the
wording of the ballots and the results have never been
recognized by Congress.
For years, Puerto Rico has requested that Congress at least
sanction a vote to officially gauge the opinion of the
people: Do they wish to remain a commonwealth, become a
state, or achieve separate sovereignty? For years Congress
has given no answer.
This year, such legislation has been approved in the House
of Representatives, and its life or death resides in the
Senate, specifically in the hands of Senate Majority Leader
Trent Lott.
If the majority of Puerto Ricans wish to continue their
island's status as a commonwealth, with limited rights and
limited responsibilities, so be it.
But, if a majority selects statehood as a goal--after
weighing the positives against the negatives of federal
income taxes and stiffer industrial regulation and taxation--
then Congress should also weigh the positives and negatives
and make a decision. Only Congress can decide; a territory
cannot make itself a state.
Under the bill, if most Puerto Ricans favor statehood, a
lengthy period of negotiations--spanning a period of up to 10
years--on possible statehood would begin. Only after all
terms are agreed upon could Congress even consider
legislation to admit Puerto Rico as a state.
Lott has shown little interest in bringing the bill to the
Senate floor. He seems to think that Americans have little
interest in it. But 3.8 million American citizens are vitally
interested. After 100 years, they deserve to have their
voices heard.
Literacy Unlocks the World of Words
Tucked inside The Sun Herald today is a Newspaper in
Education publication celebrating International Literacy Day.
To that end, the special section contains tips for teachers
and parents.
Among the tips for teachers, we would like to stress the
second one: Teach children where they can find readily
available reading materials. That goes hand-in-hand with the
second tip for parents: Get a library card and use it with
your child.
For a child to think that reading is worth the effort--and
in the beginning, reading can be an effort--that child should
have something he or she thinks is worth reading. Since
preferences will vary from child to child, a library is the
best place to take a child to unlock the world of words.
When a child picks out what he or she wants to read, the
odds are considerably greater that it will get read.
Certainly a parent can and should build on a child's
selections by reading to the child. But if a child isn't
curling up with a book, it may be because he or she doesn't
have a book of his or her own choosing.
____
[From the Clarion-Ledger, Sept. 7, 1998]
Puerto Rico Should Be Allowed Self-Determination
Proposals to allow Puerto Rico to pursue statehood may not
be a high priority with most Americans, but it should be.
There is no more American an issue than that of allowing a
group of American citizens--yes, Puerto Ricans are U.S.
citizens--the right of self-determination to pursue statehood
or whatever they may wish.
Bills soon will be before Congress to do just that. The
bills are ``process'' bills, not statehood bills. The bills
would provide a process to ask Puerto Rican voters their
preferences. They could choose to be a commonwealth, a
process that would lead to statehood or independence.
If statehood is selected, there would be lengthy period of
negotiations, up to 10 years, when terms and conditions would
be decided.
There are many reasons why it would be good for Puerto Rico
to enter the union. As for economics, Puerto Rico's economy
is about $42 billion, slightly ahead of New Mexico. The U.S.
spends some $10 billion a year in economic subsidies there.
That would be reduced some $3 billion. But the potential
growth is there, too.
[[Page S10179]]
If admitted, there would be no reason for other states to
lose representation. Seats in Congress could be expanded.
But the reasons transcend economies and politics.
Puerto Ricans have fought in every U.S. war this century,
and have died in greater percentage according to population.
The ``blood tax'' has been paid.
As many as 80 percent participate in elections there
(compare that to American's lazy attitude about their ballot
rights), but cannot vote for the commander and chief who may
send their sons and daughters to war.
Americans should cheer at the prospect of a new state
because it reminds everyone of the importance of the American
ideals of freedom and self-determination.
Puerto Rico has earned that precious right.
____
[From the New York Times, Mar. 9, 1998]
A Choice for Puerto Rico
In a historic move, the House narrowly passed a bill last
week to give 3.8 million Puerto Ricans the right to vote on
whether the island should retain its current commonwealth
status, seek statehood or become independent. The United
States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act, sponsored by
Representative Don Young of Alaska, requires that a vote be
held on the three options by the end of this year. If either
statehood or independence receives a majority, the President
and Congress would be asked to develop a transition plan, and
give final approval to a status change within 10 years. If
none of the options receive a majority vote, the current
status would be unchanged and another referendum would be
held within 10 years.
Both the Republican and Democratic platforms have long
supported Puerto Rican self-determination. Yet Congress has
repeatedly failed to give islanders a say on their political
status. With House passage of the bill, its future now
depends on Trent Lott, the Senate majority leader, who has
been unenthusiastic about the issue. The Senate would
dishonor democratic values by shelving this bill.
Puerto Rico was acquired by the United States 100 years ago
as part of the spoils from the Spanish-American War. Its
residents are American citizens who have been subject to the
draft and Federal laws. But they do not pay Federal income
taxes, do not elect members of Congress and cannot vote for
President. This diminished status does have support among
islanders who worry that statehood would jeopardize the
island's distinctive heritage.
But language issues and other important questions can be
addressed when Puerto Ricans debate their choices. The
proposed bill would allow them to decide their future with
the assurance that Congress would not ignore the result. In a
1993 nonbinding plebiscite, 48 percent of Puerto Ricans voted
for commonwealth status, 46 percent for statehood and 4
percent for independence. A majority may still prefer
commonwealth status, and even if islanders vote for statehood
or independence, Congress would be able to manage the
transition. In any case, the Senate would be wrong to prevent
political self-determination for American citizens when it
supports that right for people elsewhere in the world.
____
[From the Washington Post, Feb. 23, 1998]
Americans Without Full Rights
Congress is getting serious about Puerto Rico's political
future for the first time since the United States picked up
the island territory in an imperial war with Spain 100 years
ago. By a carefully launched bill that may reach the floor
early in March, the House would set up a process to let
Puerto Ricans choose their future status from among the
current ``commonwealth'' statehood and independence options.
This would not be no straw poll. The bill would define the
details--financial, political, linguistic--of the statehood
option favored in Puerto Rico. It would lock the United
States into a 10-year transition to put statehood, or another
choice, into effect.
The bill, sponsored by House Resources Chairman Don Young
(R-Alaska), cleared his committee 44 to 1. He anticipates
serious debate and substantial approval. It could be a great
day for democracy. But it also could be a difficult day.
There is concern over the polticial lineup of the two
senators and six congressmen who would go to a new state and
over which states would have to forfeit six seats in the
House. There is argument over whether new tax revenues would,
as sponsors claim, wash out new social-program costs.
But the hot issue is language. There is support among
Puerto Ricans to retain their Spanish-language heritage. Some
in Congress, however, would make Puerto Rico the battleground
for an attempt to legislate English as the official language
of the United States. The Young bill undertakes to deal with
this question chiefly by providing for use of English in the
courts and other official venues, while increasing and
improving English-language training in the schools. This
seems sensible. A strict official-English policy ignores that
Washington never asked Puerto Rico to embrace English when it
took over the island and when it sent its sons to fight in
American wars. Such a policy also ignores the extent to which
the United States by practice and culture is already a
considerably bilingual nation. Alarms of creating an
``American Quebec'' are a spillover from the official English
debate.
Puerto Ricans always could get the language of their
preference by independence. But that option has never risen
above a few percentage points. This makes Congress's
definition of statehood crucial. To put statehood on the
three successive referendums the bill calls for but then to
burden the option with a provocative English requirement is
unfair. It thrusts upon the island's 3.8 million residents a
choice between political empowerment and cultural identity.
For decades American political leaders have held out Puerto
Rican statehood as an option. It would be a mockery to load
it up with unneeded political accessories the first time it
began to look real.
A commitment to common rights, responsibilities and
ideals--not a dominant language--bonds Americans. A
commitment to democracy should drive Americans to ensure
Puerto Ricans full and equal rights as American citizens. It
has been, after all, 100 years.
____
[From the Orlando Sentinel, July 19, 1998]
Clarify Puerto Rico's Status; Citizens of The Island Deserve The
Opportunity to Make a Choice, Whether They Decide To Remain a
Commonwealth, Embrace Statehood Or Seek Independence.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott says there's not
enough time to consider the issue of Puerto Rico's status
before senators head home in October.
That's not persuasive. After all, the U.S. House of
Representatives managed to do that in a matter of days,
approving it in March.
But even more important would be the symbolism of giving
Puerto Ricans a voice in determining their own form of
government. One hundred years ago this month, the United
States occupied that island during the Spanish-American War.
Puerto Rico now holds U.S. commonwealth status, which
allows it self-government but with obligations to the United
States. That means, for instance, that Puerto Ricans pay
taxes to their government but not to the U.S. Treasury. At
the same time, they hold U.S. citizenship.
It's time that Puerto Rico's status is clarified
definitively, whether the choice is to remain a commonwealth,
embrace statehood or seek independence.
Thus the Clinton administration was right last week to push
for swift action in the Senate.
Self-determination stands as one of this nation's most
important ideals, stemming from the America people's struggle
to chart their own political course more than 200 years ago.
Puerto Ricans also deserve that right.
A plebiscite in Puerto Rico five years ago merely whetted
the appetite of people for a substantive vote. The
plebiscite--a glorfied opinion poll--underscored the
intensity of the debate over Puerto Rico's future. Voters
mostly sided with two options--commonwealth and statehood--
with commonwealth receiving slightly more support.
The House bill would allow an official plebiscite,
presenting Puerto Ricans with the three choices mentioned
above.
If the option of commonwealth were chose, of course, it
would be automatic because it would mean keeping things as
theya re now.
Much more work would be required if voters were to choose
independence or statehood. Statehood would be the most
complicated, with the United States having the final say.
The job of working out the details of transition plan would
fall to President Bill Clinton and the Congress. That plan
then would be presented to Puerto Rican voters. The series of
negotiations and votes could take years to unfold.
The process will take even longer, though, if the Senate
doesn't get off the dime. Florida Sen. Bob Graham, who
supports the plebiscite, argues that the votes are there,
that it's just a matter of getting the Senate to vote.
But that means overcoming a big obstacle--Mr. Lott. He
appears not terribly interested in Puerto Rico, which is
probably the real reason it is being crowded off the Senate's
agenda.
Mr. Lott should reconsider. His position, which places him
between Puerto Ricans and self-determination, creates ill
will and delays an overdue decision.
Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I yield such time as is to be utilized by
the Senator from New Jersey.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Jersey is recognized.
Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I thank my colleague and friend, the
Senator from Florida, Senator Graham.
I, too, rise in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, noting that
there could be no better way to note the importance of our Hispanic
heritage and this month of observance than to deal with the reality of
the political status of Puerto Rico.
In 1841, President Harrison said, ``The only legitimate right to
govern is an express grant of power from the governed.''
Those words were deemed so important to our Republic, so basic to our
system of government, they became a part of the architecture of the
Capitol itself. The history of our country is about the expansion of
democracy and
[[Page S10180]]
the enfranchisement of people. The very purpose for founding this
Nation was to ensure that our people would have control over their own
destiny and choose their own Government. Through the generations, this
maturation process has included the enfranchisement of women, African-
Americans, and eventually to all people over the age of 18.
The democratic process was probably never better exercised or no
firmer commitment made than when this Congress established an orderly
procedure to admit new States. That process committed to the people of
our country that the process of enfranchisement and of self-government
was not simply for themselves but other people who share our ideals,
culture, and our geography.
Ever since 1898, the end of the Spanish-American War, we have shared
a culture, a history, and a geography with the people of Puerto Rico.
The people of the island of Puerto Rico have been subject to our laws
and regulations, but they have been unable to vote for the very
legislators who would govern them through their actions.
Puerto Rico is the unfinished business of American democracy. Having
long since enfranchised all of our population, having extended our
sovereignty into the Pacific Ocean and the Northwest, all that remains
is the people of these few islands including Puerto Rico, the first and
most important case that remains to be dealt with.
This is important not only to the 29 million Hispanic-Americans, it
is important to all of our people, because it involves justice and
fairness.
Earlier this year, Senators Craig and Graham introduced the Puerto
Rican Political Status Act. I was very proud to follow their leadership
and be part of its drafting and its introduction. That legislation in
similar form passed the House of Representatives in March. It would
fully and clearly allow the people of Puerto Rico to follow the path of
full democracy if they so chose. Unfortunately, the legislation remains
in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. While we are all
grateful that the chairman has scheduled consideration of the
legislation, in truth it is very late in the life of the 105th
Congress. Each day that passes, every week that goes by, we increase
the chance that the people of Puerto Rico will not have an expression
from this Congress about the chance they may possess to enfranchise
themselves and be heard through a recognized plebiscite this year.
Regardless of individual opinion of Members of this body as to what
the judgment of the people of Puerto Rico might or should be, whether
Members of the Senate support statehood or commonwealth or
independence, the one thing I believe upon which we can all agree is
that we have a responsibility, consistent with our own ideas, our
ideals, our culture--a mandate of history to ensure that the people of
Puerto Rico are heard.
What decision the people of Puerto Rico might make is their choice.
Whether or not they have a choice is our obligation. There are 3.8
million people on Puerto Rico, with too long an association with our
country to pretend this is not a historic problem. They are too many in
number to conclude that it does not really matter. I urge the
leadership of this Senate to ensure that this legislation dealing with
the political status of Puerto Rico and its opportunity for a
plebiscite come before this Senate before it expires.
I urge the people of Puerto Rico to proceed with their plebiscite and
make a final and lasting judgment about their political status. The
United States cannot allow itself to enter the 21st century in a great
irony of history--that the product of the world's most important
democratic revolution, the first people on the face of this Earth to
rise up against colonialism and demand the right of the governed to
express themselves, be a party to what is by any measure a
postcolonialist political arrangement.
It is not simply that it is unfair to the people of Puerto Rico, it
is wrong for the people of the United States. It is inconsistent with
our history and it cannot endure.
I compliment Senator Craig and Senator Graham for their leadership,
and say how grateful I am to be a part of this truly historic effort.
I thank the Senator from Florida for yielding time.
Mr. GRAHAM. I thank Senator Torricelli. The Senator from Louisiana.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Louisiana is recognized.
Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, let me join my distinguished colleague
from New Jersey in thanking our distinguished colleague from Florida,
Senator Graham, for bringing this issue to the floor today for
comments. In addition, let me thank Senator Craig and Senator Graham
for their sponsorship of this bill. I wanted to add a few words,
because this has been said so eloquently by these two Senators before
me, but I would only add just a few thoughts.
We celebrate many things in America. We have many special days to
commemorate many special individuals and events. We have many months
that we set aside to celebrate all sorts of things that are important.
This particular 30-day period from September 15 to October 15 is
important because it recognizes the Hispanic community and allows us to
celebrate together the great contributions that Hispanic-Americans have
made to our country as a group and as individuals. They have made
valuable contributions decade after decade and century after century,
from explorers to pioneers to inventors to entrepreneurs to statesmen
and stateswomen who have served our country so admirably. It would take
me all day--all year--to stand up and enumerate all the many
contributions. But that is what this month is about, to take a moment
to recognize the great strengths that the Hispanic community brings to
America. It's also to recognize that is in fact what makes our country
so different, what makes it uniquely admirable, what makes it the
strongest country in the world. It is our diversity and our respect for
diversity that makes us so different.
In that light, we could give many emotional and moving speeches about
these individuals and communities. But I frankly think, as one Senator,
that actions speak louder than words.
One thing that we could do to take specific action that could express
in no uncertain terms our acknowledgment of these contributions, our
gratitude toward the Hispanic community, our acknowledgment that we all
share responsibilities, obligations and duties equally to make this
country strong and also to equally enjoy the protections of our
Constitution and what our flag represents than to let Puerto Rico
decide it's own political future. There would be no greater, or better,
or more appropriate action than to pass the Craig-Graham bill for the
status of Puerto Rico, to allow the people to make a choice between
either commonwealth or statehood or independence; but, Mr. President,
to allow them, when they make that choice, to know the details of what
each of those choices will actually mean, to not be unclear.
So this is something we have to do together. The people of Puerto
Rico have to vote. But this Congress--and the House has already
recognized this by a vote of only one, but still a decisive victory, a
victory in the House--must recognize that only those efforts are not
enough for the people of Puerto Rico, but we have to act to have a bill
with the definitions of commonwealth and statehood and independence, so
the consequences of their choices would be clear to them and to us and
to all the people that we represent. That is why it is important for
this bill to pass, regardless of individual Members' feelings about
what the outcome should be. Passing this bill would be the best action
we could take.
I know my constituents are well aware that the 4 million citizens in
Puerto Rico do not enjoy the right to vote in Presidential elections,
although they do share the obligation of military service and the
draft. They do not pay income tax, but they do pay other obligations.
The situation needs to be clarified. We can do that by passing this
bill and giving them a chance to vote so their responsibilities and
duties and protections can become more equal in their alignment.
Finally, I reiterate that this group of patriots from Puerto Rico
have fought and died for the United States in wars beginning, not just
a few years ago, but since the Revolutionary War. For Louisiana it is
especially significant, for our first Governor, Bernardo de Galvez,
[[Page S10181]]
led soldiers that included men from Puerto Rico in an effort to thwart
the British in the territory of Florida, which extended from the State
of my distinguished colleague, Senator Graham of Florida, all the way
to what is now Louisiana and the territory and State which we know in
present day as Louisiana. So for our State there is a particular,
emotional, long-standing attachment to this issue.
With all of what my colleagues have said--and I reiterate, we can
give all the great speeches we want, but actions speak louder than
words--in light of that, the truth of that, in the light of fairness
and what is appropriate, I urge my colleagues to take this month to do
something meaningful and real, something more than words, that could
have a lasting effect on millions of Puerto Ricans and Americans, and
the strength of our country.
Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleagues in
calling attention to the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage
Month.
The Hispanic community in my home state of Washington is the youngest
and fastest growing of any ethnic minority group, yet its history is a
long one. indeed, Washington was a part of Mexico until 1819. The many
Spanish place names that dot the landscape are only part of the legacy
of the early Hispanic explorers and settlers. Early Hispanic pioneers
helped lay the economic infrastructure of the region, bringing
commodities such as wheat and apples and livestock.
Today Hispanic Americans continue to play a pivotal role in our
state's economy. The contributions of Mexican immigrants has been vital
in the growth and continued success of our state's agricultural
industry. Hispanic-owned businesses range from the mom-and-pop small
business to large corporate concerns. Hispanic citizens, taking
advantage of their many ties to Mexico and other Latin American
nations, have helped to expand trade, our state's economic lifeblood.
The contributions of Hispanic Americans are not limited to economic
ones. Hispanic Americans have risen to positions of leadership
throughout the state. They occupy elected offices at all levels of
government, including our state legislature and judiciary. Hispanic
community activists have led the fight for social equality. The
Hispanic community has also enhanced our state's cultural life. Spanish
language newspaper and radio, Latin American cuisine and Hispanic
customs and ceremonies are an integral part of our state's landscape.
The Hispanic community has mobilized to meet the challenges facing
it. Community-based organizations throughout the state are working to
create educational and economic opportunities and meet the need for
housing, health and social services. Their efforts benefit not only the
Hispanic community but the state as a whole.
Washington State's Hispanic community is a dynamic and vibrant one. I
salute their many accomplishments and contributions. I encourage my
colleagues to join me in celebrating the diversity that makes our
country so rich by commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, Hispanic Heritage Month presents a unique
opportunity to celebrate the history and achievements of nearly 30
million people of Hispanic descent living in the United States and
Puerto Rico. Today, as we stand on the threshold of a new century, we
look to the outstanding contributions of Hispanic Americans for
inspiration and leadership.
We should also acknowledge Puerto Rico's 100 years of Social,
Political and Economic Union with the United States. I strongly support
the right of self-determination for U.S. citizens living in Puerto
Rico. Citizens in Puerto Rico should have the opportunity to decide
their political future, and have a right to political, social and
economic equality.
America has always drawn strength from the extraordinary diversity of
its people. Throughout our nation's history, immigrants from around the
world have been drawn to America's promise of hope, freedom, and
opportunity. These newcomers have shared their cultural traditions and
values, contributed to our nation's economy, strengthened our shared
belief in democracy and helped create a more fair and just society.
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed the ``United
States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act,'' H.R. 856. The Senate
version, S. 472, provides a congressionally recognized framework for
U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico to freely decide statehood,
independence, or the continuance of the commonwealth under U.S.
jurisdiction.
Hispanic Heritage Month provides us with a unique opportunity to
again raise the debate of the Puerto Rico plebiscite. I cannot think of
a better time to push this issue forward.
That is why I am joining today as a cosponsor of S. 472. This year,
the Senate has an opportunity to grant the 3.8 million American
citizens of Puerto Rico an opportunity to decide their own future. Such
an election would be the first step in allowing these U.S. citizens an
opportunity to exercise one of the most fundamental principles of a
democracy--a government chosen by the people.
In recognition of this historic opportunity, I am hopeful that my
colleagues will join with me as cosponsors of S. 472, and that the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will mark up the bill
quickly.
Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I thank the Senator.
There are others of my colleagues who have indicated a desire to
speak during this period for morning business. Unfortunately, none of
them are here at this time. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that the
remainder of the time for these presentations on ``Hispanic Heritage
Month'' be reserved until our colleagues who wish to speak are present.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. McCONNELL addressed the Chair.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kentucky.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
Mr. McCONNELL. I object.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
Mr. REID. I say to my friend from Kentucky, it is just for a
unanimous consent request.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, reserving the right to object.
Mr. REID. I will even tell the Senator what it is. I want to ask that
during the pendency of the Interior appropriations bill that a
congressional fellow in my office have the privilege of the floor.
Mr. McCONNELL. I do not object, Mr. President.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection? Without objection, it
is so ordered. The Senator is recognized.
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