[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                AGAINST HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 254

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to 
comment on House Concurrent Resolution 254 which passed the House on 
September 14, 1998. I inaccurately voted in favor of this bill when I 
should have voted ``no.''
  The bill calls upon the Government of Cuba to expatriate to the 
United States Ms. Joanne Chesimard as well as all other individuals who 
have fled the U.S. from political persecution and received political 
asylum in Cuba.
  I wish to officially go on record as opposed to this measure. 
Unfortunately, the bill was placed on the suspension calendar, which is 
usually reserved for non-controversial measures. Furthermore, none of 
the many advocacy groups that monitor this vote informed my office of 
their concern.
  I oppose H. Con. Res. 254 because I support the right of all nations 
to grant political asylum to individuals fleeing political persecution. 
The United States grants political asylum to individuals from all over 
the world. Other independent nations have the same right, including 
Cuba.
  I strongly believe that the right for various governments to grant 
political asylum should not be disturbed. I am aware of the fact that 
this body often does not agree with the particular decisions made by 
other independent governments regarding political asylum. However, I 
have stood before this house many times defending and advocating for 
the rights of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Just as we 
maintain our right as a nation to welcome those from other shores, 
whether immigrant or refugee--we must respect the Cuban Government's 
right to grant political asylum for individuals from the U.S. fleeing 
political persecution.

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