[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.

                          ____________________