Congressional Record, Volume 144 Issue 145 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)

[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 145 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H10689-H10691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING GUAM

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 494) expressing the sense of the House
of Representatives that the United States has enjoyed the loyalty of
the United States citizens of Guam, and that the United States
recognizes the centennial anniversary of the Spanish-American war as an
opportune time for Congress to reaffirm its commitment to increase
self-government, consistent with self-determination, for the people of
Guam.
The Clerk read as follows:

H. Res. 494

Whereas the Chamorro people have inhabited Guam and the
Mariana Islands for at least 4,000 years and developed a
unique and autonomous seafaring agrarian culture, governing
themselves through their own form of district government;
Whereas in 1565 the Kingdom of Spain claimed the islands of
the Chamorro people, which were named the Ladrones by
Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and renamed the Marianas by the
Jesuit missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores in 1668, to
secure the trans-Pacific route of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon
Trade, then, upon San Vitores's death in 1672, the islands
were placed under military governance;
Whereas in 1898 the United States defeated the Kingdom of
Spain in the Spanish-American War and acquired Guam, Puerto
Rico, and the Philippines by virtue of the Treaty of Paris;
Whereas, in signing the treaty, the United States
Government accepted responsibility for its new possessions
and agreed that Congress would determine the civil rights and
political status of the native inhabitants, as stated
specifically in Article IX;
Whereas President William McKinley, by Executive Order 108-
A on December 23, 1898, placed the island of Guam under the
administration of the United States Navy, which administered
and governed the island, initially as a coaling station, then
as a major supply depot at the end of World War II;
Whereas a series of rulings popularly known as the
``Insular Cases'', issued by the United States Supreme Court
from 1901 to 1922, defined Guam as an ``unincorporated
territory'' in which the United States Constitution was not
fully applicable;
Whereas the United States Naval Government of Guam was
forced to surrender the island of Guam to the invading forces
of the Japanese Imperial Army on December 10, 1941, after
which Japanese occupation and control of Guam lasted until
the United States Forces recaptured the island in 1944;
Whereas Guam is the only remaining United States territory
to have been occupied by Japanese forces during World War II,
the occupation lasting for 32 months from 1941 to 1944;
Whereas the people of Guam remained loyal to the United
States throughout the Japanese occupation, risked torture and
death to help clothe and feed American soldiers hiding from
enemy forces, and were subjected to forced labor, ruthless
executions, and other brutalities for their support of the
United States;
Whereas, upon liberation of the people of Guam, the island
was returned to United States Navy governance, which, like
its prewar predecessor, limited the civil and political
rights of the people, despite numerous appeals and petitions
to higher authorities and Congress for the granting of United
States citizenship and relief from military rule;
Whereas in 1945, upon establishment of the United Nations,
the United States voluntarily listed Guam as a nonself-
governing territory, pursuant to Article 73 of the United
Nations Charter, and today Guam continues to be included in
this list;
Whereas on March 6, 1949, the House of Assembly, the lower
house of the popularly elected 9th Guam Congress, which was
merely an advisory body to the Naval Governor of Guam,
adjourned in protest over the limitation of its legislative
rights granted to it by the United States Department of the
Navy in 1947 and refused to reconvene until the United States
Congress enacted an organic act for Guam;
Whereas the Organic Act of Guam (64 Stat. 384) passed by
Congress and signed by President Truman on August 1, 1950,
statutorily decreed Guam's status as an ``unincorporated
territory'', established a three-branched civilian government
patterned after the Federal model, and conferred United
States citizenship upon the people of Guam;
Whereas, since the granting of American citizenship, the
people of Guam have greater participation in the American
democratic processes and some measure of self-government;
Whereas the people of Guam, who strongly adhere to the
belief that a government should derive power and right from
the governed, successfully gathered enough support to push
for the passage of the Elective Governor Act (Public Law 90-
497) on September 11, 1968, and in which Congress granted the
people of Guam the right to elect their own governor and
lieutenant governor;
Whereas the Congress enacted the Guam-Virgin Islands
Delegate bill on April 10, 1972, allowing for Guam to have a
nonvoting delegate in the United States House of
Representatives, and although the delegate is not accorded a
vote on the floor of the House of Representatives, it is
still one of the benchmarks in Guam's political evolution and
heightens Guam's visibility in the national arena;
Whereas, although Congress authorized in Public Law 94-584,
the formation of a locally drafted constitution, the
subsequent Guam Constitution, it was not ratified by Guam's
electorate through a referendum on August 4, 1979;
Whereas concerns regarding Guam's political status led the
Twelfth Guam Legislature to create the first political status
commission in 1973, known as the Status Commission, the
Thirteenth Guam Legislature in 1975 created another
commission, known as the Second Political Status Commission,
to address Guam's political status issue and explore
alternative status options, and in 1980, the existing Guam
Commission on Self-Determination (CSD) was created to
identify and pursue the status choice of the people of Guam,
and in 1996 the Twenty-Fourth Guam Legislature created the
Commission on Decolonization to continue pursuing Guam's
political status;
Whereas the CSD, after conducting studies on 5 Guam
political status options, proceeded to conduct a public
education campaign, which was followed by a status referendum
on January 12, 1982 in which 49 percent of the people of Guam
voted for Commonwealth, 26 percent for Statehood, 10 percent
for Status Quo, 5 percent for Incorporated Status, 4 percent
for Free Association, 4 percent Independence, and 2 percent
for other options;
Whereas on September 4, 1982, a runoff was held between
commonwealth and statehood, the top options from the January
referendum, with the outcome of the runoff resulting in 27
percent voting for statehood and 73 percent of Guam's
electorate casting their votes in favor of a close
relationship with the United States through a Commonwealth of
Guam structure for local self-government;
Whereas in 1988 the people of Guam first presented the Guam
Commonwealth Act to Congress to meet the various aspirations
of the people of Guam, which bill has been reintroduced by
Guam's Congressional delegates since 1988 until the present;
Whereas Congress has continued to enact other measures to
address the various aspirations of the people of Guam, while
considering legislative approaches to advance self-government
without precluding Guam's further right of self-
determination, consistent with the national political climate
that emphasizes decentralization of the decision making
process from Washington to the local governments and a
relationship with the Federal Government that is based on
mutual respect and consent of the governed; and
Whereas the people of Guam are loyal citizens of the United
States and have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to
the American ideals of democracy and civil rights, as well as
to American leadership in times of peace as well as war,
prosperity as well as want: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes 100 years of Guam's loyalty and service to
the United States; and
(2) will use the centennial anniversary of the 1898
Spanish-American War to reaffirm its commitment to the United
States citizens of Guam for increased self-government,
consistent with self-determination for the people of Guam.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young).
Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and
extend his remarks.)
Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution on the
centennial of the Spanish-American War to recognize the loyalty of the
United States citizens of Guam who have become part of this Nation due
to that conflict.
This resolution serves as recognition of Guam's 100 years of loyalty
and service to the United States, and calls on the House of
Representatives to reaffirm its commitment to the people of Guam for
increased self-government.

[[Page H10690]]

Mr. Speaker, it has been one hundred years since the United States
raised the first American flag over Guam on July 21, 1898. The islands
were transferred to the United States after the Spanish-American War
pursuant to the Treaty of Paris, signed December 10, 1898, and raitifed
and proclaimed on April 11, 1899. Article IX of the Treaty states that
``The civil rights and political status of the native inhabitants of
the territories hereby ceded to the United States shall be determined
by the Congress.''
Guam was administered by the United States Navy until forced to
surrender the island in 1941 to the invading forces of Japan. During
the occupation from 1941 to 1944, the people of Guam remained staunchly
loyal to the United States, risking torture and death, and subject to
forced labor, ruthless executions, and other brutalities. The island
was returned to U.S. Naval jurisdiction after the liberation of the
people of Guam in 1944.
As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Guam's
relationship with the United States has been characterized by Guam's
political development from an island administered by the U.S.
Department of the Navy to one governed by the people of Guam under the
Guam Organic Act approved by Congress in 1950 in Public Law 630. In the
same Act, Congress extended U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam.
Congress subsequently authorized expanded self-governance by permitting
the people of Guam to elect their own government and a delegate to
represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, in
1976 Congress committed to a major advance in self-government for Guam
by authorizing a constitution, which Guam has yet to complete.
Today, while the people of Guam continue their quest for increased
self-government within the United States community, they can be assured
that the adoption of a constitution as authorized by Congress will not
prejudice or preclude their right of self-determination and the
fundamental right to seek a change in their political status in the
future. This resolution serves as recognition of Guam's 100 years of
loyalty and service to the United States and calls on the House of
Representatives to reaffirm its commitment to the people of Guam for
increased self-government.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, at the request of my distinguished colleague, the
gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood) who is traveling to his district on
official business, I urge this body to support House Resolution 494,
the Guam centennial resolution.
This resolution recognizes Guam's 100-year relationship with the
United States, but more importantly, it reaffirms this body's
commitment to Guam's request to address the issue of status.
One hundred years ago the United States acquired Guam, along with the
Philippines and Puerto Rico, after the Spanish-American war. Guam's
relationship with the United States since 1898 has been characterized
by Guam's strategic location in the Asian Pacific region.
Soon after its acquisition, Guam was primarily acquired as a coaling
station by American ships. Since then Guam has expanded its role to
become America's bridge to the Asian-Pacific region. It boasts the only
$10 billion military infrastructure west of the international dateline,
as well as a $3 billion civilian economy.
Mr. Speaker, Guam's unique relationship with the United States not
only stems from its strategic value, but in part can be explained
through the understanding of Guam's history with the United States.
Guam is the only American territory today which was occupied by enemy
forces during World War II.
The people of Guam endured forced marches and beheadings for doggedly
assisting American soldiers during the occupation. Through the Organic
Act of 1950, the people of Guam became American citizens, an event
which allowed them a greater opportunity to participate in the American
political system.
Guam's press for increased self-government was made evident soon
after American governance. However, it was not until 1973 that concerns
about Guam's political status officially materialized in the form of
the first Political Status Commission.
As testament to Guam's commitment to the political future and faith
in the American system of government, the Guam Commonwealth Act was
introduced in the 101st Congress and in each successive Congress since
that time. Through the passage of this resolution, we are commemorating
our historic ties with America's westernmost Pacific territory, and we
are reaffirming our commitment to address their concerns.
I urge my colleagues to support the Guam centennial resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I include for the RECORD the statement of the gentleman
from Guam (Mr. Underwood) regarding this very important resolution.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues on
both sides of the aisle who have demonstrated their utmost support for
the people of Guam by cosponsoring the Guam Centennial Resolution. I
would also like to thank my colleague and Chairman of the Resources
Committee, Mr. Young, for his leadership in moving this legislation.
It has been one hundred years since the United States first set foot
on Guam's shores; and it has been one hundred years since Guam
officially came under the American flag. As a consequence of the
Spanish-American War, Spain ceded Guam, Puerto Rico, and the
Philippines over to the United States. This centennial anniversary
carries varied significance for the people of Guam. On the one hand, we
are commemorating Guam's one hundred year old relationship with the
United States. On the other hand, we have an opportunity to examine
this very same relationship, specifically Guam's political status under
the United States.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution we have before us today, the Guam
Centennial Resolution, specifically addresses these concerns. I
introduced this resolution not only to commemorate Guam's unique
relationship with the United States, but also to remind this body that
the United States must address Guam's political status as decreed in
the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War. To this
date, Guam is still under the United Nations' list of Non Self-
Governing Territories.
Guam was first used as a coaling station by American ships sailing in
the region, its strategic Pacific location made it an attractive base
for America's Armed Forces and was actually commanded by the American
Navy in the early years. During World War II, Guam remained loyal to
the American flag despite the brutal three-year occupation by Japanese
forces. It was not until 1950 that the people of Guam because American
citizens.
It is important to note that even as early as 1901, only three years
after American rule over our island, there was already a campaign for
basic civil rights. H. Res. 494, or the Guam Centennial Resolution, is
another avenue for such political expression. It expressly calls on
this body to reaffirm its commitment to the people of Guam in our quest
for increased self government. Since the 101st Congress to the present
time, Guam's delegates to Congress have introduced the Guam
Commonwealth Act, legislation which would not only alter Guam's
relationship with the United States, but also lend greater local rule
for Guam. Just last year, Guam's leaders had the historic opportunity
to testifying before the Resources Committee regarding Guam's quest for
Commonwealth. As long as it remains the political will of the people, I
will continue to vigorously advocate for Guam's Commonwealth status.
On this occasion of the centennial anniversary of Guam's relationship
with the United States, let us remember our commitment to the people of
Guam and support the passage of H. Res. 494.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Gentleman from Guam
for introducing and crafting this resolution. It is important that the
full House has the opportunity to express its support for this
important resolution.
H. Res. 494 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that
the United States has enjoyed the loyalty of the United States citizens
of Guam, and that the United States recognizes the centennial
anniversary of the Spanish American War as an opportune time for
Congress to reaffirm its commitment to increase self-government
consistent with self-determination for the people of Guam.
Our nation has a long history of friendship with Guam and many of the
small island nations in the South Pacific. Guam played a key role in
projecting U.S. firepower during World War II, during Vietnam and
during later conflicts.
Guam's strategic access and the many sacrifices of its people have
not gone unnoticed by the Congress. The citizens of Guam deserve a
greater say in their affairs and it should be up to them to decide what
sort of relationship they want with the United States.
Accordingly, I support the gentleman's resolution and urge my
colleagues to support H. Res. 494.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of
House Resolution 494, the Guam Centennial Resolution.
Mr. Speaker, as other speakers have already noted, this year marks
the 100th anniversary of the first flying of the American flag

[[Page H10691]]

over the island of Guam. Over the past 100 years, a lot of things have
changed, but Guam's loyalty to the United States has remained
steadfast.
To the best of my knowledge, Guam remains the only populated U.S.
territory to have been captured and occupied by enemy forces during
World War II. Despite the repressive tactics of the Japanese during
their three-year occupation of the Island of Guam, the people of Guam
remained loyal to the United States, and lost many lives and suffered
inhumane treatment simply because they retained this strong loyalty.
The citizens of Guam have in the past and continue to support our
military services with high enlistment rates and the loss of local land
given up for military based in support of their island and the rest of
our nation. Even today, Guam hosts significant naval and air force
bases which frequently are the staging point for national military
operations in the Pacific. As foreign countries have dictated the
removal of our operational stations in the western Pacific, Guam's
location in the central Pacific has increased in importance, and today
is considered to be of strategic importance.
Despite the support of the U.S. citizens in Guam of the United States
over the past century, their desire for increased autonomy has met with
resistance in Washington, D.C. I wish to commend Congressman Underwood
for his efforts to fight for increased automy for the people of Guam
and for his efforts to move this legislation to the floor today.
I also want to recognize Congressman Don Young, Chairman of the
Committee on Resources, and Congressman George Miller, Senior Democrat
on the Committee for their support of today's legislation and their
continued support of the U.S. insular areas in general.
Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 494.
The question was taken.
Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the
ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a
quorum is not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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