[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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