[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 98 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H6612-H6615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING OVER 200 YEARS OF SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF
LIECHTENSTEIN
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 233) recognizing over 200 years of sovereignty of
the Principality of Liechtenstein, and expressing support for efforts
by the United States to continue to strengthen its relationship with
that country, as amended.
[[Page H6613]]
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 233
Whereas in 1806, Napoleon dissolved the Holy Roman Empire
and Liechtenstein became a sovereign country;
Whereas Liechtenstein is nestled between Switzerland and
Austria in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps, and
is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world;
Whereas Liechtenstein has approximately 35,000 inhabitants,
primarily Roman Catholics of German ethnicity;
Whereas Liechtenstein maintains a strong system of checks
and balances between the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government;
Whereas Liechtenstein is a constitutional hereditary
monarchy, whose powers were expanded through a popular
referendum in March 2004 in which 64 percent of citizens
approved a new constitution;
Whereas the parliament of Liechtenstein, the ``Landtag'',
consists of 25 representatives elected for four year terms by
proportional representation in two multi-seat constituencies,
10 representing the lowland area and 15 representing the
highland area;
Whereas after World War II, on the basis of Liechtenstein's
advantageous corporate tax laws and its Customs Union with
Switzerland, an industrial upswing transformed Liechtenstein
from a poor agricultural state to a modern society;
Whereas despite its small geographic area and limited
natural resources, Liechtenstein has a prosperous, highly
industrialized, free-enterprise economy with manufacturing as
its leading economic sector, complemented by a robust
financial sector;
Whereas Liechtenstein has been a member of the European
Economic Area since May 1995 and is working to harmonize its
economic policies more closely with the European Union;
Whereas Liechtenstein companies have a considerable
manufacturing, sales and service presence in the United
States, which has resulted in the creation of over 4500 jobs;
Whereas since 1999, the United States has been the most
important export market for members of the Liechtenstein
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, totaling $521,000,000 in
2005;
Whereas the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between the
United States and the Principality of Liechtenstein, which
entered into force in August of 2003, has resulted in an
enhanced pursuit of criminals and terrorists;
Whereas in cooperation with the United States-led coalition
after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Liechtenstein froze
assets of the former Iraqi regime, which resulted, among
other things, in the return of a Falcon Jet 50 to the Iraqi
people;
Whereas in collaboration with experts from the United
States, the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at
Princeton University seeks to raise awareness about issues
pertaining to self-determination, self-governance and
sovereignty through teaching, research and publications;
Whereas Liechtenstein abolished its military in 1868 and
has exercised neutrality in its foreign affairs; and
Whereas Liechtenstein is an active member in international
organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade
Organization, and the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes over 200 years of sovereignty of the
Principality of Liechtenstein; and
(2) expresses its support for efforts by the United States
to continue to strengthen its relationship with that country.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may
consume.
I would first like to commend our distinguished colleague, Mr. Cliff
Stearns of Florida, for introducing this important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today in strong support
for this measure, which recognizes over 200 years of sovereignty of
Liechtenstein and supports efforts by the United States to strengthen
and further its relationships with this country. Liechtenstein may be
small in size, but it is big in stature.
Just square 62 miles and nestled in the heart of Europe between
Switzerland and Austria, it boasts 35,000 inhabitants, a strong
democratic government and a constitutional heredity monarchy. Its
mountain landscapes have made it renowned as one of the most beautiful
countries in Europe. The country punches well above its weight in its
contributions to the global banking and financial sectors.
In just the last 60 years, it has developed from a mainly agrarian
society to one of the most highly industrialized countries in the
world. Indeed, its economic growth should serve as the model for the
potential of all small countries. It has become a strong economic
partner for the United States, which has been the largest export market
for Liechtenstein over the past 10 years.
In addition, Liechtenstein-based companies have created over 4,500
jobs in the United States, mainly in manufacturing, sales and service.
Given the celebration last year of Liechtenstein's 200 years of
sovereignty, it is fitting that the House pass this resolution to pay
tribute to the country's democratic tradition and prosperity.
Furthermore, in recognition of the important partnership between the
United States and Liechtenstein in the areas of politics, economics and
security, this resolution calls on the United States to strengthen and
further its relationship with Liechtenstein.
I strongly support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the
same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to rise in support
of House Resolution 233 authored by my good friend from Florida (Mr.
Stearns) that recognizes the more than 200 years of sovereignty of
Liechtenstein. With the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire 200 years
ago, Liechtenstein became an independent state.
Since then, it has evolved as both a constitutional monarchy and a
parliamentary democracy. With a population of only about 34,000 people,
we cannot expect Liechtenstein to take a leading role in international
affairs, but it is an important ally in the cause of supporting and
promoting democracy and, despite its small size, it has an importance
for the United States that exceeds its geographical reach.
Exports are a major factor in the success of Liechtenstein's economy,
and that outward-looking approach to commerce with the rest of the
world has made it an important economic partner for the United States,
creating almost 5,000 jobs here in the United States and achieving over
half a billion dollars in exports to the American market in the year
2005 alone.
At home, in Europe, while it is not a member of the European Union,
Liechtenstein is very closely aligned with the economic policies of
that important organization and works to harmonize its economic policy
very closely with it.
In the international arena, this small nation participates as a full
partner in the United Nations, as well as in various critical
international forums such as the World Trade Organization and the
International Court of Justice.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote for this resolution by
Mr. Stearns of Florida, which expresses our support for a continued
strengthening of our relationships with Liechtenstein.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he
may consume to the author of this resolution, Mr. Stearns of Florida.
(Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. STEARNS. I thank my distinguished ranking member and my good
friend from Florida and also the chairwoman of the subcommittee. I
appreciate your words that you said earlier, and I think you succinctly
outlined why this resolution is so important, and I compliment you on
your speech.
Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, if you heard the word ``Liechtenstein,''
and you didn't know anything about this resolution, and you were out on
the street and you were talking to people,
[[Page H6614]]
and you said to them, what does the word Liechtenstein mean to you,
there would probably be a number of things they would say. But I'll bet
you one of the things they would say is it sounds like a word of
integrity. It sounds like a word of independence. It sounds like a word
of idealism. It sounds like a word of responsibility, and it sounds
like a word of charm.
I have been there. It's a very charming country, it's a very
responsible country, it's an independent country, and it's a country
that represents idealism, much as the gentlelady from California has
talked about when she mentioned that this country had been very
responsible.
As mentioned, it's 34,000 people. It's a small nation, and
accomplishes far more as mentioned earlier in social, political and
financial influence than its small size would indicate. Nestled between
Switzerland and Austria in the European Alps, Liechtenstein has
established a stable and growing democracy, the type of government that
we can all be proud of.
For over 200 years it has maintained a constitutional monarchy with a
vibrant Parliament that employs a strong system, and this is what we
believe in in a republic system of government checks and balances.
Along with myself and other colleagues, we have had the privilege of
visiting Liechtenstein. On several occasions I was introduced to its
fascinating history and the people and its commitment to freedom during
the last centuries.
The Liechtenstein family of Austria was given the rights to the land
in 1713, and the area gained the status of an independent principality
of the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 under the name Liechtenstein. When, in
1806, Napoleon defeated the Holy Roman Empire, the conquered Emperor
made Liechtenstein a sovereign country.
Now, my colleagues, unfortunately, the people of Liechtenstein were
not granted the full rights and liberties that come with this
sovereignty. As under Napoleon, the French occupied the country for the
next several years. However, in 1815, within the new German
Confederation, Liechtenstein regained its full independence.
This country has a long history of diplomacy and peaceful
relationships with its neighbors. In 1868, after the Confederation
dissolved, Liechtenstein disbanded its army of 80 men and declared its
permanent neutrality which, amazingly, was respected throughout both
World War I and World War II. That is a feat of diplomacy.
In 1989, Prince Hans Adam II succeeded his father to the throne. Then
10 years ago, Prince Adam accomplished a diplomatic feat by settling a
60-year long dispute with Russia over the Liechtenstein's family
archives, which had been confiscated during the Soviet occupation of
Vienna in 1945 and later moved all to Russia, more specifically, to
Moscow.
After World War II, Liechtenstein became increasingly important as a
financial center. In 1978, this country became a member of the Council
of Europe and joined the European Free Trade Association, the EFTA, in
1991. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area
since May of 1995, and is continuing to work to harmonize its economic
policies more closely with the European Union every day.
One of Liechtenstein's most industrious resources is its people. It
invested much effort in education, and this is something we can all be
proud of and respect, they boast a literacy rate of 100 percent.
{time} 1800
The United States and Liechtenstein have enjoyed a positive
relationship for many, many years. In 2002, Liechtenstein and the U.S.
signed a mutual legal assistance treaty which focused largely on
jointly combating money laundering and other illegal banking
activities. In addition, from the beginning of the global war on
terror, this country took the initiative and has been a valuable and
proactive partner in tracking down the finances of international
terrorist groups.
Mr. Speaker, we are all aware of the dangerous world we live in
today. In the years following the dreadful attack of September 11, we
have been honored by the support and compassion of our friends around
the world. We appreciate that.
While it is necessary and just to condemn countries for the threat
they pose, I believe it is equally important and vital to honor
countries for the support that they provide to us. Liechtenstein is one
of those countries whose contribution should be recognized. For these
reasons, I encourage my colleagues to take a closer look at the unique
nation of Liechtenstein and join with me this afternoon in honoring
this wonderful country. And my hat's off to them, and I urge passage of
the resolution.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the tiny principality of Liechtenstein has
survived and thrived as an independent and sovereign nation for over
200 years, ever since Napoleon dissolved the Holy Roman Empire in 1806.
And I rise today in support of a resolution commemorating their
independence and their friendship toward the United States.
Like my home state of Texas, Liechtenstein has worked hard to
diversify its economy, keeping its important agricultural markets in-
tact while embracing the industrial and financial services sectors,
clearly for its immeasurable good.
Small in territory, Liechtenstein boasts an unemployment rate of only
1.3 percent and some of the lowest tax rates in Europe. Every day, the
country's population swells to double its normal size, as citizens from
the surrounding countries of Austria, Switzerland and Germany join the
hardworking natives at work. And those that live and work in
Liechtenstein enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the
world.
Liechtenstein is also, of course, a great friend to the United States
and to democracy. I have invited the Ambassador of Liechtenstein, Ms.
Fristche, to visit my district and observe for herself the pride Texans
have in their own country and of course, the unique balance of our own
economy--the rice fields planted right up against the oil refineries.
I hope she takes me up on the offer.
That's just the way it is.
Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, the sovereign nation of Liechtenstein is
home to 34,000 people and is the size of Washington, DC. Yet this tiny
nation accomplishes far more in social, political and financial
influence than its size would indicate. Nestled between Switzerland and
Austria in the European Alps, Liechtenstein has established a stable
and growing democratic government. For over 200 years it has maintained
a constitutional monarchy with a vibrant parliament that employs a
strong system of checks and balances.
I, along with many of my colleagues, have had the privilege of
visiting Liechtenstein on several occasions, and I was intrigued by its
fascinating history and the people's commitment to freedom that has
lasted for centuries. The Liechtenstein family of Austria were given
the rights to the land in 1713, and the area gained the status of an
independent principality of the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 under the
name Liechtenstein. When, in 1806, Napoleon defeated the Holy Roman
Empire, the conquered Emperor made Liechtenstein a sovereign country.
Unfortunately, the people of Liechtenstein were not granted the full
rights and liberties that come with sovereignty, as under Napoleon, the
French occupied the country for the next few years. However, in 1815
within the new German Confederation, Liechtenstein regained its full
independence.
Liechtenstein has a long history in diplomacy and peaceful relations
with their neighbors. In 1868, after the Confederation dissolved,
Liechtenstein disbanded its army of 80 men and declared its permanent
neutrality, which amazingly was respected through both world wars. In
1989, Prince Hans Adam II succeeded his father to the throne. Ten years
ago, Prince Adam accomplished a diplomatic feat by settling a 60-year-
long dispute with Russia over the Liechtenstein family's archives,
which had been confiscated during the Soviet occupation of Vienna in
1945 and later moved to Moscow.
After World War II, Liechtenstein became increasingly important as a
financial center. In 1978, Liechtenstein became a member of the Council
of Europe and joined the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in
1991. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area
since May 1995 and is continuing to work to harmonize its economic
policies more closely with the European Union. One of Liechtenstein's
most industrious resources is its people. Liechtenstein has invested
much effort in education, and now boasts a literacy rate of 100
percent.
The United States and Liechtenstein have enjoyed a positive
relationship for many years. In 2002, Liechtenstein and the U.S. signed
a mutual legal assistance treaty, which focused largely on jointly
combating money laundering and other illegal banking activities. In
addition, from the beginning of the global war on terror, Liechtenstein
took the initiative and has been a valuable and proactive partner in
tracking down the finances of international terrorist groups.
Mr. Speaker, we are all aware of the dangerous world we live in. In
the years following
[[Page H6615]]
the dreadful attacks of September 11, we have been honored by the
support and compassion of our friends around the world. While it is
necessary and just to condemn countries for the threat they pose, I
believe it is equally vital to honor countries for the support they
provide. Liechtenstein is one of these countries whose contribution
should be recognized. For these reasons, I encourage my colleagues to
take a closer look at the unique nation of Liechtenstein and join me in
honoring their great accomplishments.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Stearns from Florida for
offering the resolution before us. I hope our colleagues support it.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 233, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. STEARNS. 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 question will
be postponed.
____________________