[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 20 (Thursday, February 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BURR (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Lott, and Mr. 
        Menendez):
  S. 2304. A bill to recognize the right of the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico to call a constitutional convention through which the people of 
Puerto Rico would exercise their right to self-determination, and to 
establish a mechanism for congressional consideration of such decision; 
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it's a privilege to join Senator Burr and 
other colleagues in supporting the Puerto Rico self-determination act.
  Puerto Rico and its four million residents have enjoyed a positive 
relationship with the United States since the island's commonwealth 
status was established over 50 years ago. But it's important for all of 
us to protect the right of the Puerto Rican people to self-
determination, and this legislation will do so.
  Our bill calls for a constitutional assembly in Puerto Rico composed 
of delegates elected by the Puerto Rican people. The delegates will 
determine the appropriate options for inclusion in a referendum to 
enable the Puerto Rican people to decide the future status of the 
island.
  Congress will have the final say on the referendum, but the process 
should start with the people of Puerto Rico and not in Washington. A 
constitutional assembly will best serve their interest by letting us 
know their wishes.
  The people of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, and many of them have 
served our Nation with great courage and sacrifice in Iraq and 
Afghanistan. At the very least we owe them a fair and democratic 
process in determining their future.
  The recommendations in the report released in December by the White 
House task force on the status of Puerto Rico do not adequately address 
this basic issue, since the options suggested in the report do not give 
Puerto Ricans the fair choice they deserve.
  The possibility of change in the current status has stirred intense 
debate in recent years, and this bill is intended to allow a fair 
solution that respects the views of all sides in the debate. I urge my 
colleagues to support this legislation as the most effective way to 
resolve this issue and give the people of Puerto Rico the respect they 
deserve.
                                 ______