[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PUERTO RICO STATUS PLAN

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4475, the FY 2001 Department of 
Transportation appropriations bill, includes provisions which I support 
that will promote informed self-determination for Puerto Rico. It is 
historic that Congress has authorized the President to cooperate with 
the Elections Commission of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to develop 
a legally valid and politically realistic program to support political 
status resolution for Puerto Rico. However, it was necessary to ensure 
that Congress can review the program plan before funding can be 
expended. Given the powers vested in Congress to determine the ultimate 
status of Puerto Rico based on a legitimate process of self-
determination, the process of Congressional review contemplated by this 
legislation is entirely fitting and critical to a successful status 
resolution program.

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