[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 17, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FUNDING FOR PUERTO RICO STATUS OPTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2000

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased that 
the House passed FY 2001 Department of Transportation Appropriations 
bill which included the President's request of $2.5 million to assist 
in public education on, and a public choice among, political status 
options for Puerto Rico. This request was first left out of the FY 2001 
Treasury Appropriations bill but the Transportation Conferees saw fit 
to restore this funding request during their negotiations.
  Puerto Rico has been a part of the United States for more than a 
century. Over the course of this period, the Puerto Rican people have 
participated in our democracy. Their sons and daughters have fought our 
wars and their political leaders keep issues that affect Puerto Rico on 
the surface of our political discourse. Most importantly, the richness 
of their people and culture have become a part of what is good about 
America.
  After gaining U.S. citizenship in 1917 and eventually adopting their 
own constitution to increase self-government, the people of Puerto Rico 
have consistently sought to fully express their political desires 
through self-determination. In the past 30 years, Puerto Rico has held 
three plebiscites to gauge the people's preference on a future 
political status.
  Because of their current status, Congress is responsible for 
assisting Puerto Rico in their status efforts. In 1999, the House 
Resources Committee issued a bipartisan report that concluded Federal 
action is needed to establish a process for resolving Puerto Rico's 
status.
  Congress has a responsibility to remain objective and work with the 
people of Puerto Rico about the status choices. We should ensure that 
any option put before the voters of Puerto Rico is acceptable to 
Congress and we should also make certain that the Puerto Rican 
electorate is well-informed and educated on what each option can mean 
to their future.
  The funding made available to the President in the FY 2001 Department 
of Transportation bill is a good step toward assisting with any future 
plebiscite in Puerto Rico. Congress must now be truthful with the 
people of Puerto Rico on what their options are and in assuring that 
Congress will stand by those decisions. We must remain mindful that the 
United States claimed Puerto Rico. There is no ``us against them''--
they are part of ``us.'' Puerto Rico self-determination will happen and 
it is our responsibility that within that process we ensure that the 
residents of Puerto Rico are fully educated on each status option.

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