[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.
____________________