[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1530
 CELEBRATING THE 33-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE COVENANT BETWEEN THE U.S. 
                    AND THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, the covenant to establish a Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands in political union with the United States 
of America defines the unique relationship between the Northern Mariana 
Islands and the United States, recognizing United States sovereignty 
but limiting, in some respects, applicability of Federal law. The 
commonwealth accordingly enjoys a greater degree of autonomy than most 
United States territories.
  The covenant was negotiated over the course of 27 months, from 
December 1972 to February 1975, by the Marianas Political Status 
Commission, made up of representatives of the Northern Mariana Islands 
and a delegation representing the United States.
  The proposed covenant was signed by negotiators on February 15, 1975, 
and unanimously approved by the legislature of the Mariana Islands 
District of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 
on February 17, 1975.
  On June 17, 1975, the covenant was submitted to Northern Mariana 
Islands voters in a plebiscite. At the time, 95 percent of eligible 
residents had registered to vote, and of the 95 percent of all 
registered voters who cast ballots in the plebiscite, 78.8 percent 
voted to approve the covenant.
  The covenant was subsequently approved by this House on July 21, 
1975, and by the Senate on February 24, 1976.
  On March 24, 1976, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-241, 
enacting the covenant. Some provisions became effective on that date. 
Remaining provisions became effective on January 9, 1978, and November 
4, 1986.
  On January 9, 1978, the Northern Mariana Islands Government was 
established, and the first elected governor took office.
  On November 4, 1976, qualified residents of the Northern Mariana 
Islands became United States citizens.
  On May 8, 2008, President George W. Bush signed Public Law 110-229 
and gave to the Northern Mariana Islands the seat in Congress that I 
presently have the privilege to occupy.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands mark 
the 33rd year of the date when the covenant took effect.
  The 33 years of our political relationship, Mr. Speaker, has been 
beneficial to both the Northern Mariana Islands and to the United 
States, such that the political agreement continues to be celebrated by 
very proud citizens in that most western part of the United States. I 
join my people in their celebration and bring their joy to this 
Congress.
  Thank you for the opportunity to share this joyful and historical day 
with Congress, the Nation and with the American people.

                          ____________________