[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A NEW SUNRISE: VIEQUES

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the patriotic people of 
Vieques, Puerto Rico, for their tolerance and understanding during more 
than 60 years. In the past, the Vieques training range helped prepare 
the U.S. Navy forces for deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and 
Persian Gulf.
  Nevertheless, military training activities on Vieques interrupted 
local fishing operations and other economic development, and the effect 
of the activities by the Department of the Navy reduced the potential 
for developing the island as a tourist destination. Also, the 
pollutants released in to the local environment caused some concern 
among residents who feared an increase in the incidence of cancer and 
other diseases.
  I applaud the Department of the Navy for recognizing that for these 
reasons, among many, the island of Vieques is no longer a satisfactory 
place for training exercises. Recognizing that the serenity and beauty 
of Vieques should be enjoyed, and not destroyed, on April 30, 2003, the 
Navy closed the base and transferred the land to the Department of the 
Interior to turn it to a wildlife refuge and a wilderness area.
  These days, we hear so much about weapons, terrorism, and the 
military. It warms my heart that the sounds of exploding bombs has been 
replaced by the laughter of children enjoying hiking, cycling, wild 
life observation, swimming, and fishing.
  But worries about Vieques remain. Now that the military training 
exercises are over, the land must be cleaned up. The Island needs to be 
rid of the pollutants--thousands of unexploded bombs and toxins in the 
land, water, and air. Only then, would the land be truly returned to 
its rightful owners.

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