[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 69 (Monday, May 23, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H3714-H3716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ANGEL ISLAND IMMIGRATION STATION RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION ACT

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 606) to authorize appropriations to the Secretary of the 
Interior for the restoration of the Angel Island Immigration Station in 
the State of California.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                H.R. 606

       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 ``Angel Island Immigration 
     Station Restoration and Preservation Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       The Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The Angel Island Immigration Station, also known as the 
     Ellis Island of the West, is a National Historic Landmark.
       (2) Between 1910 and 1940, the Angel Island Immigration 
     Station processed more than 1,000,000 immigrants and 
     emigrants from around the world.
       (3) The Angel Island Immigration Station contributes 
     greatly to our understanding of our Nation's rich and complex 
     immigration history.
       (4) The Angel Island Immigration Station was built to 
     enforce the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and subsequent 
     immigration laws, which unfairly and severely restricted 
     Asian immigration.
       (5) During their detention at the Angel Island Immigration 
     Station, Chinese detainees carved poems into the walls of the 
     detention barracks. More than 140 poems remain today, 
     representing the unique voices of immigrants awaiting entry 
     to this country.
       (6) More than 50,000 people, including 30,000 
     schoolchildren, visit the Angel Island Immigration Station 
     annually to learn more about the experience of immigrants who 
     have traveled to our shores.
       (7) The restoration of the Angel Island Immigration Station 
     and the preservation of the writings and drawings at the 
     Angel Island Immigration Station will ensure that future 
     generations also have the benefit of experiencing and 
     appreciating this great symbol of the perseverance of the 
     immigrant spirit, and of the diversity of this great Nation.

     SEC. 3. RESTORATION.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior 
     $15,000,000 for restoring the Angel Island Immigration 
     Station in the San Francisco Bay, in coordination with the 
     Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation and the 
     California Department of Parks and Recreation.
       (b) Federal Funding.--Federal funding under this Act shall 
     not exceed 50 percent of the total funds from all sources 
     spent to restore the Angel Island Immigration Station.
       (c) Priority.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall be used for the 
     restoration of the Immigration Station Hospital on Angel 
     Island.
       (2) Any remaining funds in excess of the amount required to 
     carry out paragraph (1) shall be used solely for the 
     restoration of the Angel Island Immigration Station.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Radanovich) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands 
(Mrs. Christensen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich).
  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 606, introduced by the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Woolsey), would authorize an appropriation up to $15 million to 
the Secretary of the Interior for the restoration of the Angel Island 
Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay.
  The funds would be used in coordination with the Angel Island 
Immigration Station Foundation and the California Department of Parks 
and Recreation. The bill would also require funds appropriated by the 
Act to be used first for restoration of the Immigration Station 
Hospital on the island. Finally, the bill limits the Federal funding to 
50 percent of the total funds from all the sources spent to restore the 
immigration station.
  I urge adoption of the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
her remarks.)
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, the majority has already explained the 
purpose of H.R. 606, which was introduced by my colleague, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).
  Angel Island is a nationally significant resource, as evidenced by 
its previous designation as a national historic landmark. Angel Island 
tells an important historical story about immigration into the western 
United States; how entry was offered to some, but denied to others 
under the discriminatory practices of that day.
  The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) is to be commended for 
her leadership on H.R. 606. She has a bipartisan coalition of support 
for her initiative, including California Governor Arnold 
Schwarzenegger. Many individuals and organizations have come to 
recognize the importance of a Federal-State-private partnership in the 
preservation and interpretation of this important aspect of our 
Nation's history.
  Mr. Speaker, we support H.R. 606 as a means to help preserve the rich 
history of the Angel Island Immigration Station and urge its adoption 
by the House today.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she might consume to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 606, out of order. 
I was working patiently at my desk. I flew in on the red eye so that I 
could talk about Angel Island and how wonderful it is. And I want to 
thank the ranking members of this committee for making this possible 
for me, and allowing the consideration of a piece of legislation that 
is very important to my district, the San Francisco Bay area, and to 
Asian Americans throughout the United States.
  As you know, I have worked for the past 3 years with the Angel Island 
Immigration Station Foundation and the gentlewoman from California 
(Leader Pelosi) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder) in an 
effort to preserve the historic Angel Island Immigration Station. It is 
located just east of Sausalito in the San Francisco Bay. Sausalito is 
in my district, California's 6th Congressional District.
  This landmark is a particular high priority because of what it means 
to Asian Americans nationwide. Many of you are familiar, all of us are 
familiar with the symbolism of Ellis Island to European Americans. The 
same feelings of legacy and pride can be equated to the Americans of 
Asian heritage on the west coast. In fact, Angel Island was the first 
American soil most Asian immigrants stepped on.
  With over one million people having been processed through the sites, 
millions of Asians and Asian descendents nationwide are eager to see 
their roots in this country honored in the same way that we honor Ellis 
Island.
  In addition, Angel Island Immigration Station also houses a unique 
literary display of Asian American culture. The walls of the main 
building hold layers of poetry reflecting the record of hardship 
endured and the indignity suffered by the early Chinese as they were 
being processed into America. If these walls crumble, we will lose this 
one-of-a-kind documentation forever. And thank you for voting not to 
let that happen.
  Because of its rich history, the site is currently used as a teaching 
tool for

[[Page H3715]]

students and a museum for visitors. Hundreds of school children and 
researchers have made the trip by ferry out to the site each year to 
learn about its rich history.
  Mr. Speaker, I have worked with the foundation to find additional 
sources of funding for the restoration project to ensure future 
generations can learn from the site. The current estimate to complete 
the preservation is over $30 million, $16 million already raised 
through Federal grants, State funding, and private donations; $15 
million still remains to finish the project.
  With no more grants available and the State of California 
contributing close to half of the funding, it is important that the 
Federal Government become a part of this preservation effort, and that 
is what we are doing today. And I thank you for making that happen in 
the House.
  Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank Chairman Pombo, Ranking Member 
Rahall and the House Leadership for allowing us to consider this piece 
of legislation that is important to my district and the San Francisco 
Bay Area.
  As you may know, I have worked for the past 3 years with the Angel 
Island Immigration Station Foundation and Leader Pelosi and Congressman 
Mark Souder in an effort to preserve the historic Angel Island 
Immigration Station, located just east of Sausalito in the San 
Francisco Bay.
  This landmark is a particularly high priority because of what it 
means to Asian Americans nationwide. Many of you are familiar with the 
symbolism of Ellis Island to European Americans. The same feelings of 
legacy and pride can be equated to the Americans of Asian heritage on 
the west coast. In fact, Angel Island was the first American soil most 
Asian immigrants stepped on.
  With over one million people having been processed through this site, 
millions of Asian descendants nationwide are eager to see their roots 
in this country honored in the same way we honor Ellis Island.
  In addition, Angel Island Immigration Station also houses a unique 
literary display of Asian American culture. The walls of the main 
building hold layers of poetry reflecting the record of hardship 
endured and the indignity suffered by the early Chinese as they were 
being processed into America. If these walls crumble, we will lose this 
``one-of-a-kind'' documentation forever.
  Because of its rich history, the site is currently used as a teaching 
tool for students and a museum for visitors. Hundreds of school 
children and researchers make the trip by ferry out to the site each 
year to learn about its rich history.
  Mr. Speaker, I have worked with the Foundation to find additional 
sources of funding for the restoration project to ensure future 
generations can learn from this site. The current estimate to complete 
the preservation is over $30 million. With $16 million already raised 
through Federal grants, State funding and private donations, $15 
million is still needed.
  With no grants available, and the State of California contributing 
close to half of the funding, it is important that the Federal 
Government become a part of this preservation effort. That is what we 
are doing today.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 606, the 
Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act.
  For 30 years, between 1910 to 1940, Angel Island served as the first 
point of entry into our country for immigrants from around the world 
hopeful for the promise of America. While the history of Ellis Island, 
which served as a processing center for immigrants coming in from 
across the Atlantic, is well known, the story of Angel Island is one 
that is often lost between the pages of our nation's history.
  While it was open, 1 million immigrants were processed on Angel 
Island, including immigrants from Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and 
Central and South America. It would be the first, and sometimes only, 
American soil that many of these people, who hoped to call this country 
their home, would walk upon.
  Among these stories are the unforgettable voices of more than 170,000 
Chinese immigrants, who sacrificed everything to come to what they 
referred to as the ``Gold Mountain,'' a land of unparalleled freedom 
and opportunity. While many found new life, others encountered 
discrimination, disappointment, and sometimes, despair.
  The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prevented many Chinese from 
entering the United States. Those allowed to enter were held in 
detention on Angel Island. Segregated and separated into barracks, the 
detainees faced stark living conditions, humiliating medical 
examinations, and grueling interrogations, while their detentions 
dragged on from days to months, and even years. All this while they 
awaited a decision on whether they would be permitted to enter the 
United States or sent back to China. While the detainees would 
eventually leave the Island and the Immigration Station would later 
close, they would leave behind their powerful testaments, inscribed as 
poetry, on the walls that confined them.
  Today, more than 100 of these poems are still visible, etched on the 
barrack walls. Together, they capture the fears, sadness, and longing 
felt by the immigrants. Despite the extreme hardships faced on Angel 
Island, many of these poems also reflect the timeless legacy of the 
hope that is shared by all who are drawn to and believe in our country.
  In 1940, Angel Island Immigration Station was closed after a fire 
destroyed the administration building. The U.S. Army used the Island 
during World War II, departing when the war was over. Angel Island 
became incorporated as a part of the California State Park system in 
1963.
  Abandoned and neglected, the structures fell into various states of 
disrepair and were scheduled for demolition in 1970, when a park ranger 
rediscovered the poetry carved on the walls. Although the buildings 
were spared from being torn down, more resources are needed to restore 
this unique and significant landmark.
  This legislation would authorize $15 million, to be matched by state 
and private funding, to restore the buildings at Angel Island 
Immigration Station, and ensure its preservation for future 
generations.
  Understanding our past is key to our nation's success and strength, 
today and in the future. Preserving Angel Island ensures that the 
collective voices of past immigrants live on in the proud immigrant 
heritage we all share.
  I urge my colleagues to support this significant piece of 
legislation.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 606, the Angel 
Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act.
  Historic preservation is the key to remembering our past. Without key 
places and artifacts from our history, it would be impossible to tell 
future generations of Americans how, when and where our country came to 
be what it is. Whenever a place or object is lost, a piece of history 
is gone forever. It is our duty to ensure that history is preserved.
  The Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act 
aims to preserve part of our history. Known as the Ellis Island of the 
West, Angel Island was the primary entry point for hundreds of 
thousands of immigrants from the Pacific Rim, including Australia and 
New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Russia, and in 
particular, Asia. During Angel Island's years of operation (1910-1940), 
an estimated 175,000 Chinese immigrants were processed through Angel 
Island.
  In 1940, Angel Island Immigration Station closed after a fire 
destroyed the Administration Building. Following the Army's departure 
from Angel Island, the structures fell into disrepair. Many were 
removed by the Army Corps of Engineers and California State Parks. Of 
the original Immigration Station structures, only the Detention 
Barracks, Hospital, Power House, Pump House and Mule Barn remain. 
Today, these structures are in various states of disrepair; hence the 
need for this legislation.
  Without H.R. 606, the structures on Angel Island will fall further 
into decay. Many of the buildings are crumbling and leak; consequently, 
many poems written by the Chinese immigrants detained at Angel Island 
are in danger of being destroyed. State, private, and local entities 
have already contributed mightily to this project; sadly, they have not 
been able to complete the project. This bill will authorize $15 million 
in funding so that this unique aspect of our history can be preserved 
for future generations. Compared to the $156 million spent to restore 
Ellis Island, this restoration project is a bargain and of no less 
significance.
  Millions of people journey to Ellis Island every year in order to see 
where their ancestors came ashore. This bill would allow descendents of 
Angel Island arrivals the same opportunity to visit the place where 
their ancestors' American Dreams started.
  Although the status of Angel Island as part of the California State 
Parks system sets it apart from many other historic sites that receive 
federal funding, the importance of the site and its contribution to the 
United States makes its official designation irrelevant. Our nation's 
history must be preserved regardless of official status.
  I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 606, the Angel 
Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act. Keeping 
our immigration heritage in good repair is essential if the United 
States is to maintain its unique status as a beacon of democracy and 
opportunity.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4469, the 
Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act.
  I would like to recognize my colleague Representative Lynn Woosley 
from California for

[[Page H3716]]

her steadfast leadership in ensuring Angel Island Immigration Station 
is preserved and restored.
  As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), 
I support the federal authorization of $15 million for the preservation 
and restoration of Angel Island, where people from China, Japan, 
Russia, India, Korea, Australia, and the Philippines entered the United 
States to start a new life.
  Angel Island Immigration Station is appropriately known as the 
``Ellis Island of the West.'' Located in the San Francisco Bay, Angel 
Island served as a processing and detainment center for one million 
immigrants between 1910 and 1940. Of those one million people, 175,000 
were Chinese immigrants and 150,000 were Japanese immigrants.
  For the 30 years that Angel Island was in existence, detainees 
experienced overcrowded facilities, humiliating medical examinations, 
intense interrogations, and countless days--even years--waiting until 
approval of their applications or deportation. Although conditions 
could be deplorable, Angel Island was an entry point to a better future 
for many immigrants.
  In 1940, Angel Island Immigration Station's administration building 
was destroyed. In 1963, California State Parks assumed the role of 
stewardship of the site when Angel Island became a state park.
  In the 1970's, the site was set for demolition until a park ranger 
discovered etched writings on the walls. Etched by detainees, the 
writings and drawings on the wall reflect the hardships and hopes of 
detainees during the uncertain period in which they awaited decisions 
on their immigration applications. The cultural and historical value of 
these etchings sparked efforts to save this site. In 1997 Angel Island 
Immigration Station became a National Historic Landmark.
  More than 50,000 people continue to visit Angel Island Immigration 
Station yearly, but sadly, the history of Angel Island is often left 
out of classroom lectures. However, with greater federal support, we 
can restore the Island's historic buildings, preserve irreplaceable 
immigration records, and keep alive the stories and memories of those 
who were detained on the Island.
  While preserving the Angel Island Immigration Station is important to 
Asian Pacific Americans, it should be a priority for all Americans. 
Just as Ellis Island is a critical part of our nation's history, Angel 
Island offers American's a richer and more comprehensive understanding 
of our history and the diversity we celebrate in this nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support H.R. 4469 and its authorization 
of $15 million to restore and preserve historic buildings at Angel 
Island Immigration Station. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this important piece of legislation.
  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. 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 California (Mr. Radanovich) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 606.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________