Congressional Record, Volume 150 Issue 38 (Wednesday, March 24, 2004)

[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 24, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H1384-H1388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND UNITED STATES TERRITORIES CIRCULATING QUARTER
DOLLAR PROGRAM ACT

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 2993) to provide for a circulating quarter dollar coin
program to honor the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read as follows:

H.R. 2993

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``District of Columbia and
United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program
Act''.

SEC. 2. ISSUANCE OF REDESIGNED QUARTER DOLLARS HONORING THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND EACH OF THE
TERRITORIES.

Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after subsection (m) the following new subsection:
``(n) Redesign and Issuance of Circulating Quarter Dollar
Honoring the District of Columbia and Each of the
Territories.--
``(1) Redesign in 2009.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding the fourth sentence of
subsection (d)(1) and subsection (d)(2) and subject to
paragraph (6)(B), quarter dollar coins issued during 2009,
shall have designs on the reverse side selected in accordance
with this subsection which are emblematic of the District of
Columbia and the territories.
``(B) Flexibility with regard to placement of
inscriptions.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1), the
Secretary may select a design for quarter dollars issued
during 2009 in which--
(i) the inscription described in the second sentence of
subsection (d)(1) appears on the reverse side of any such
quarter dollars; and
(ii) any inscription described in the third sentence of
subsection (d)(1) or the designation of the value of the coin
appears on the obverse side of any such quarter dollars.
``(2) Single district or territory design.--The design on
the reverse side of each quarter dollar issued during 2009
shall be emblematic of one of the following: The District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American
Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands.
``(3) Selection of design.--
``(A) In general.--Each of the 6 designs required under
this subsection for quarter dollars shall be--
``(i) selected by the Secretary after consultation with--

``(I) the chief executive of the District of Columbia or
the territory being honored, or such other officials or group
as the chief executive officer of the District of Columbia or
the territory may designate for such purpose; and
``(II) the Commission of Fine Arts; and

``(ii) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
``(B) Selection and approval process.--Designs for quarter
dollars may be submitted in accordance with the design
selection and approval process developed by the Secretary in
the sole discretion of the Secretary.
``(C) Participation.--The Secretary may include
participation by District or territorial officials, artists
from the District of Columbia or the territory, engravers of
the United States Mint, and members of the general public.
``(D) Standards.--Because it is important that the Nation's
coinage and currency bear dignified designs of which the
citizens of the United States can be proud, the Secretary
shall not select any frivolous or inappropriate design for
any quarter dollar minted under this subsection.
``(E) Prohibition on certain representations.--No head and
shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, and
no portrait of a living person may be included in the design
of any quarter dollar under this subsection.
``(4) Treatment as numismatic items.--For purposes of
sections 5134 and 5136, all coins minted under this
subsection shall be considered to be numismatic items.
``(5) Issuance.--
``(A) Quality of coins.--The Secretary may mint and issue
such number of quarter dollars of each design selected under
paragraph (4) in uncirculated and proof qualities as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(B) Silver coins.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), the
Secretary may mint and issue such number of quarter dollars
of each design selected under paragraph (4) as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate, with a content of 90 percent
silver and 10 percent copper.
``(C) Timing and order of issuance.--Coins minted under
this subsection honoring the District of Columbia and each of
the territories shall be issued in equal sequential intervals
during 2009 in the following order: the District of Columbia,
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the
United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands.
``(6) Other provisions.--
``(A) Application in event of admission as a state.--If the
District of Columbia or any territory becomes a State before
the end of the 10-year period referred to in subsection
(l)(1), subsection (l)(7) shall apply, and this subsection
shall not apply, with respect to such State.
``(B) Application in event of independence.--If any
territory becomes independent or otherwise ceases to be a
territory or possession of the United States before quarter
dollars bearing designs which are emblematic of such
territory are minted pursuant to

[[Page H1385]]

this subsection, this subsection shall cease to apply with
respect to such territory.
``(7) Territory defined.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `territory' means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.''.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Delaware (Mr. Castle) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle).

General Leave

Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on this legislation, and to insert extraneous material thereon.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Delaware?
There was no objection.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 2993, the District of
Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar
Program Act, introduced on February 10 by the gentleman from New York
(Mr. King).
Similar to the popular 50-State Quarter program I am proud to have
authored, the legislation would create a 1-year program to use designs
reminiscent of the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands on the reverse of our circulating quarters in the year
following the end of the State quarter program in 2008. Passage of this
legislation would foster respect for and enhance historical knowledge
of the District of Columbia and the territories that are an
indispensable part of the United States and also would be an economic
windfall for the United States Treasury.
Mr. Speaker, the State quarter program, which reached the halfway
mark at the end of December of this past year, has dramatically
increased general knowledge of the historical contributions of our 50
States. I believe the legislation under consideration today would do
the same for the District and the territories. These areas have some of
the highest enlistment rates in our Armed Forces. Their commitment
continues through today's conflicts, through the tragic sacrifice of
the lives of, among others, Lance Corporal Gregory E. MacDonald of the
District of Columbia, and Army Private Jonathan I. Falaniko of Pago
Pago, American Samoa.
As well, Mr. Speaker, the District and the territories have many
historical, cultural, and athletic contributions to our Nation; and the
bill we consider today would allow a great opportunity to recognize
them in artwork on the reverse of the quarters.
The 1-year program provides more than intangible benefits to the
United States. It provides an economic boon to our Nation's Treasury.
The success of the State quarter program has been overwhelming. The
quarters have become one of the most popular collector's items in the
United States and abroad; and by the halfway point of the program, the
government had already benefited by over $4 billion, representing coins
that have been taken out of circulation by collectors. As a result, it
is estimated that if the popularity of quarters produced under this
legislation follows similar trends, as much as $1 billion worth of the
quarters may be taken out of circulation.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the gentleman from New York (Mr. King) for
introducing the bill, and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia
(Ms. Norton) for her tireless campaign towards its passage. I also
commend many others who have urged passage in the past, including the
gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus), who sponsored a previous version
of the legislation, and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).
Of course, I would also like to thank the ranking member of the
subcommittee, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) and the
chairman and ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Oxley), and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for
their assistance in making this legislation possible.
I urge swift passage of H.R. 2993 to recognize the invaluable
contributions of the District and territories.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
My attention was first drawn to this bill by the gentlewoman from the
District of Columbia, who has been a very strong advocate for the
District of Columbia in this and in other matters. In recognition of
her leadership role on this legislation, I yield such time as she may
consume to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time, and I am grateful to the gentleman from Massachusetts for his
strong support and advocacy of this bill. May I offer my thanks as well
to the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), who has been with this
bill since 1998 and was, from the moment that the territories and the
District were not included, helpful throughout and insistent that we be
included. Of course, the exclusion of the territories and the District
was entirely inadvertent; and he comes once again full circle, because
he was chairman at that time.
Indeed, twice before, the House has passed a bill to afford the five
insular areas and the District of Columbia a quarter coin bearing a
design of their choice on the reverse side. Inadvertently, these
Americans were excluded from the 50-State bill affording this same
right to the States in 1998. We owe very special thanks to three
successive committee chairs and ranking members of the Committee on
Financial Services. It is one thing to ask a committee to come to the
floor once with a bill; it is a burden to come three times, even on
suspension. I would like to thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr.
Castle), who has chaired the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy,
Trade, and Technology during the 105th Congress, and worked with me and
introduced legislation to allow the District and the insular areas to
participate in this program.

{time} 1115

In the 106th Congress, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus), as
chair of the same subcommittee, introduced this bill and the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), as ranking member of the
subcommittee, cosponsored the legislation.
Today, I would especially thank the gentleman from New York (Mr.
King), who is chair of the subcommittee during the 107th and 108th
Congress who introduced the bill and the gentlewoman from New York
(Mrs. Maloney), the ranking member, who sponsored the bill the last two
sessions.
May I also give special thanks to the chair of the full committee,
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for their support. I want to particularly
thank the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), with
whom I recently spoke concerning the bill and who kindly agreed to move
it to suspension.
To date, there have been over 21 billion State quarter coins minted;
26 States have had their State design on the reverse side of the
quarter with four more States to be added before the end of this year.
Five are added each year. All the coins are minted according to the
year each State ratified the Constitution of the United States or were
admitted into the Union.
Although the States have appropriate latitude, there are limitations
as to what can be used as a design. According to Public Law 105-124,
the Secretary of the Treasury has the final approval of each design.
The law gives clear guidance as to what is an acceptable design
concept. Such suitable design concepts include State landmarks,
landscapes, historically significant buildings, symbols of State
resources or industries, official State flora and fauna, State icons
and outlines of the States themselves. State flags and seals are not
considered suitable.
Among the examples of suitable coins already in circulation are New
York's Statue of Liberty, Missouri's depiction of Lewis and Clark as
they paddle down the Missouri River with the Gateway Arch in the
background, and North Carolina's design depicting the first successful
airplane flight.
We look forward to the day when the residents of the District of
Columbia

[[Page H1386]]

and the insular areas can see similar symbols of their jurisdictions
and of their American citizenship appear, as well.
This bill points up the importance of including all Americans in the
symbols of American citizenship. The residents of the District and the
insular areas are full and equal American citizens. To leave them out
of mere expressions of citizenship is to deny the citizenship they
revere and share with other Americans. The Americans who live in these
areas have fought and died in our country's wars and have extraordinary
records of service in the Armed Forces in considerably larger numbers
than other States. The District of Columbia alone has lost more service
members in Afghanistan and Iraq than many States and lost more in
Vietnam than 10 separate States.
We in the Congress are proud to represent all Americans.
There are, of course, significant differences between the States and
the jurisdictions covered by this bill. However, qualification to be a
part of a program of quarter coins to commemorate congressional
districts is not one of them. Under the Constitution, all Americans are
equal notwithstanding important differences in form, structure and
other significant distinctions. Today, by including all Americans,
Congress avoids any appearance of differential or discriminatory
treatment and any implication that these areas are colonies as, of
course, was never the intention when the five jurisdictions were not
included in the original bill as the House has made clear by repeatedly
bringing this bill to the floor.
Today, when our country is at war and faces unparalleled dangers,
this bill is yet another example of our unity as Americans and our
indivisibility in honoring all of our country's citizens. By passing
this measure, the House will make it abundantly clear that we are one
country and that our hope is that the Senate will join us.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I would just like to start by thanking the gentlewoman
from District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for her tenaciousness on this. I
always favored this concept as soon as I heard about it. But if it was
not for her, frankly, pushing everybody, I do not think we would be
where we are today. And I say that because we have been there a couple
of times before, and she has had to do it again and again.
I doubt if there will be a Rose Garden ceremony for the signing of
this if it passes, but I intend to come over there and shake your hand
if it happens, because you deserve a lot of credit for it. We just have
to get the Senate to cooperate.
Apropos of comments made earlier by the distinguished gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) on another bill, this is a pretty good day
here on the floor, at least this portion of it, as far as the Federal
Government is concerned. The BEP hopefully will be able to enter into
the business that they can do specifically that the private sector
really cannot do as well and perhaps have a chance to add some revenues
to the Federal Government as has indicated. This quarter program has
already produced $4 billion in money to the Treasury as a result of the
keeping of these coins and collecting.
The chances are that the young people here are all collecting them.
When you go to a classroom, you find that they are all collecting these
coins.
We still have 5 years to run, hopefully a 6th year to run on this. We
hope it will produce, as I indicated earlier, another billion dollars.
It is not many programs that actually produce real money, real revenue
for the Federal Government.
Pursuant to that, without advocating anything, I would say as an
extension of this that I have introduced legislation, as you may know,
for a Presidential program on the dollar coins, which is also,
according to the studies that have been done, has the ability to
produce revenue for the Federal Government as a collector's item, with
the spouses to be on a gold coin sold at the price of gold which would
be about $380 right now as a collector's item.
All of these also have the ability to do what this coin has been done
and, most importantly, inform not just young people but all of us about
our States, as the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms.
Norton) has pointed out, and about our territories, and about our
Presidents hopefully.
So I think this has all been a very win-win-win situation. We are
very appreciative of what this has done. I would encourage all of us to
support this legislation, and hopefully this is something that we will
get done this year.
Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I did want to say that the gentleman from Delaware (Mr.
Castle) deserves credit not simply for his advocacy here, but for being
the main proponent of the whole program, which he correctly points out
has been very successful, the State quarter program, the gentleman from
Delaware (Mr. Castle) is the legislative author of that and is entitled
to take all the credit for it.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman
from Guam (Mr. Bordallo).
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle)
for managing this bill today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2993, a bill that
will authorize the United States Mint to circulate quarter dollar coins
depicting an important design representative of the District of
Columbia and each respective United States territory.
Guam has long sought to be represented on the back of the quarter
dollar coin in the same manner as the States do. And I guess I will
say, Mr. Speaker, that perseverance does pay off eventually. It has
been many years, and I thank the gentlewoman from District of Columbia
(Ms. Norton), as well as the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from
New York (Mr. King), and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from New
York (Mrs. Maloney), for their leadership in guiding this legislation
to the floor today.
This legislation was championed by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr.
Castle). The Commemorative Coin Act was passed in 1997 authorizing the
minting of 50 commemorative coin designs representing the unique
culture and history of each respective State. The intention was to
foster pride amongst citizens of each State, greater appreciation for
the diversity of our Nation, and instill a sense of national unity.
While this program has been a true success, I am pleased that we now
come together to ensure that the District of Columbia, Guam, American
Samoa, the Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are equally recognized.
H.R. 2993 will help educate the public that the territories are
recognized as being part of the United States, in addition to
guaranteeing that our Nation's own capital city is honored. Many people
are confused as to the relationship of Guam and the territories to the
United States of America. By authorizing United States currency
representative of the territories, we can educate our country and the
world about the vast reach of our Nation and foster a better
understanding about its culture and ethnic diversity.
Guam has a rich and patriotic history, and I support any effort that
generates more interest in learning about our islands. Guam is an
island approximately 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii and is the
southernmost island of the Marianas chain. With a population of
160,000, the island of Guam is home to two of the Nation's most
important and strategic military bases, the Navy's COMNAVMAR base and
Andersen Air Force Base. Natives of Guam, or Chamorros, are proud of
their unique cultural heritage.
Guam has always been a true melting pot since it was first traversed
by Europeans upon the arrival of Magellan in the early 16th century.
After serving for centuries as a major stop-off point along the Spanish
galleon trade route, Guam was ceded to the United States in 1898 after
the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War. Since that time, Guam
has served as an important gateway to the Pacific and an important
center for commerce and cultural exchange between the United States and
Asia.
During World War II, Guam was occupied by Japanese imperial forces
from 1941 to 1944. However, citizens of Guam proudly and defiantly
affirmed their patriotism to the United States.

[[Page H1387]]

When American forces arrived in 1944 in its push to win the war in the
Pacific, patriots of Guam boarded small boats and paddled out to Navy
warships volunteering to join forces to defeat the Japanese. Our island
was liberated by the United States Marines and soldiers on July 21,
1944; and soon after, Congress granted United States citizenship to the
people of Guam.
It is important to the people on Guam to gain greater recognition as
being part of the United States of America. Guamanians have fought
valiantly in every American conflict since being incorporated into the
United States. Guam had the highest per capita number of deaths in the
Vietnam conflict. Guamanians are proud and patriotic, and H.R. 2993
honors their contribution to American valor and culture.
So I do, Mr. Speaker, encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2993.
Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega),
another able advocate for one of the territories.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me
time.
Mr. Speaker, I would not be standing here if it had not been for the
able leadership and certainly the sensitivity and the commitment from
the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for all these years that we
have worked tirelessly in providing for this legislation that we now
come to this most historic occasion in presenting this proposed
legislation before our colleagues and hopefully in my desire that we
pass it.
Mr. Speaker, this is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. This is
an American issue. We are talking about the lives of some 5 million of
our fellow Americans who live in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
District of Columbia and the insular areas.
I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. King) for his
sponsorship of this legislation and our colleague, also from New York
(Mrs. Maloney), for her support as the ranking member of the
subcommittee. And certainly I would be remiss if I did not thank the
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for his support.
It saddens me, Mr. Speaker, for all these years that we have tried
earnestly to provide passage of this legislation, that there is still
some misunderstanding or misinformation among some of our colleagues to
the point it saddens me that even some may have this idea that we are
not worthy enough, we are not worthy enough as those of us fellow
Americans coming from the District of Columbia, from the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, where some 3.8 million Americans, U.S. citizens, live,
that we do not deserve the privilege of circulating just a quarter
dollar in honor of the contributions that we have also made for all
these years to the greatness of our Nation.

{time} 1130

I am reminded of a fellow Chamorro who is a retired Marine brigadier
general, a former Member and colleague of ours, Mr. Ben Blaz, and he
made this statement I have never forgotten over the years. He said to
his colleagues here in this Chamber, we are equal in times of war, but
we are not equal in times of peace.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation would amend the popular 50 States
Commemorative Coin Program Act to include six new designs emblematic of
the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. Designs on the reverse side
of each quarter dollar issued during 2009 will be selected by the
Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the chief executive
officers of these areas.
All five congressional delegates are and were original cosponsors of
this bipartisan measure. This measure was first introduced in the 106th
Congress and passed overwhelmingly in the House by a vote of 377 to 6.
Unfortunately, the 106th Congress ended before the Senate was able to
consider our bill.
Again, in the 107th Congress, we introduced H.R. 4005, identical
legislation which also passed the House and was received in the Senate
in October of 2002. Once again, the Senate was unable to consider this
matter before the 107th Congress adjourned. Now we have introduced H.R.
2993; and we are hopeful, Mr. Speaker, that the House and Senate will
pass this legislation before the 108th Congress adjourns.
At this time, I also want to thank the gentlewoman from the District
of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for her leadership, and I also want to thank
our delegates who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this
legislation is considered.
Speaking on behalf of my own district in American Samoa, I believe it
is only fitting for Congress to acknowledge our relationship with the
United States, which has now been in place for other 104 years. Many
fellow Americans have never heard of American Samoa. American Samoa has
had a long and proud history of supporting the United States. The
traditional leaders of the islands of Tutuila and Aunu'u ceded our
islands to the United States in 1900. Four years later, the King of
Manu'a and his chiefs ceded the Manu'a Islands.
In the early part of the century, the harbor of Pago Pago, which was
much sought after, was used as a coaling station for U.S. naval ships;
and during World War II, these islands became a staging area for some
30,000 soldiers and Marines before they were sent to Tarawa and
Guadalcanal and other parts of the Pacific during World War II. To this
day, American Samoa serves as a refueling point for U.S. naval ships
and military aircraft.
American Samoa also has a per capita enlistment rate in the U.S.
military which is as high as any State or territory. I have had to
personally carry two of my soldiers who recently died from Iraq in that
terrible conflict. Our sons and daughters have served in record numbers
in every U.S. military engagement since World War II to the present
operations in Iraq. We have stood by the United States in good times
and bad times, and I believe this relationship should be acknowledged
with the issuance of a commemorative coin.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2993 affords us an opportunity to recognize the
special contributions of the insular areas. I urge my colleagues to
vote in favor of the legislation.
Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may
consume to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen),
another of the able delegates who has been working for this on behalf
of her territory.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me
the time.
I rise in strong support of H.R. 2993, the District of Columbia and
U.S. Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act.
It is a pleasure for me to be here as we again move closer toward
rectifying the omission of the District of Columbia and the insular
areas from the original 50 State Commemorative Coin Program Act. It has
been more than 3 years; but with the vote today on H.R. 2993, my
constituents as well as those of my colleagues from the Nation's
capital and the other territories will finally get the opportunity to
have our Nation commemorate and celebrate a significant event or fact
about our respective homes.
My district, the U.S. Virgin Islands, also known as America's
Paradise, has many ecological, historical and cultural treasures which
are worthy of commemoration. We also boast of having been the place
where the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, grew up
and honed the skills which served our fledgling nation so well.
For the benefit of those who might not know this, the Virgin Islands
have been a member of the American family since 1917 when Denmark sold
the islands of the former Danish West Indies, St. Thomas, St. Croix and
St. John, to the United States for just $25 million.
We are located 1,000 miles southeast of Miami in the Caribbean Sea
and are four main islands with numerous keys, with beaches that have
consistently ranked among the best in the world. We also boast the only
site where the members of Christopher Columbus' party are known to have
set foot on what is today the U.S. The Salt River National Historical
and Ecological Park was established in 1992 to, among other things,
commemorate this important historical event.

[[Page H1388]]

Mr. Speaker, the people of the Virgin Islands see it as only fitting
that we, along with the residents and citizens of Guam, American Samoa,
the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia
should also have the opportunity to educate our fellow Americans on
whose side we have fought to defend and protect our Nation in every
conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present day about our unique
qualities, as well as promote our pride at being Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr.
Castle), the champion of the original bill, and our ranking member, the
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), for including the District of
Columbia and our territories, and I particularly want to also extend
our gratitude to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia because
it was her leadership and dogged determination that made this day
possible, and I ask my colleagues to support her in our effort and vote
``yes'' on H.R. 2993.
Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, with renewed appreciation of
the gentleman from Delaware and the gentleman from Ohio, the chairman
of the full committee, for allowing this measure, so important to so
many of our colleagues, to come forward, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I
will be very brief. I just want to thank the representatives from the
various territories and from the District of Columbia for actual
historical lessons here on the floor. I think it behooves all of us, I
recall those comments of the gentleman from Nebraska next to me, that
perhaps putting the territories and District of Columbia on the quarter
is more important than the States in some ways as this is such a good
educational tool for our young people. So, hopefully, we will get that
done this year.
Based on all I have heard, I think the problem is in the Senate, not
the House. So we all need to go to work over in the Senate and get this
done.
Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2993, the
``District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating
Quarter Dollar Program Act,'' and urge its immediate passage.
Mr. Speaker, we all know how fond the American people are of the 50-
State quarter program that began in 1999. It has proved popular with
collectors, of course, and it has caused all Americans to look at the
change in their pockets or their purses in a new light. It has been an
invaluable aid in teaching about the unique nature of each state.
All Members salute the gentleman from Delaware, Mr. Castle, for his
foresight in authoring that legislation. Today we consider a completely
separate program, one that is modeled on, but is not part of the State
quarter program. Instead of honoring five States a year for a decade,
this program will issue six different quarters, for the District of
Columbia and the five territories, all in a single year.
Surely, the District of Columbia and the five territories will
benefit in similar fashion as the states have. I think this program
will be of particular benefit regarding the territories, which are not
as well-known, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, of Guam and the United States Virgin Islands
and American Samoa.
I have learned a lot about the territories from previous debates on
similar legislation in previous Congresses, Mr. Speaker, and I think
this legislation will be educational as well.
Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us has passed the House in a
number of Congresses, passing by both recorded and voice votes. I know
of no objection to it, and I urge all Members to support its immediate
passage.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2993.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

____________________