[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 1 (Thursday, January 3, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E12]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORT OF A RESOLUTION TO PERMIT DELEGATES AND THE RESIDENT 
      COMMISSIONER TO THE CONGRESS TO CAST VOTES IN THE COMMITTEE 
              OF THE WHOLE HOUSE ON THE STATE OF THE UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                  in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 3, 2013

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution 
offered by my good friend and colleague, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of 
Maryland, to restore the voting rights for the Delegates and Resident 
Commissioner during Committee of the Whole proceedings.
  The ability to cast a vote is the most basic of rights in our 
representative democracy. In the people's House, votes cast by members 
of Congress make us accountable to our constituents and allow them to 
understand where we stand on important issues. The rules that have been 
adopted by the 113th Congress once again remove voting rights for 
members from the territories and the District of Columbia and continue 
to make this body less transparent and less responsive to the more than 
four million Americans who live in our districts.
  These votes are wholly symbolic--they cannot change the outcome of 
legislation or amendments considered on the floor of this House. But 
these votes allow us to ensure that the needs of our constituents are 
addressed in legislation considered by this body.
  Further, many men and women in uniform come from the territories and 
the District of Columbia. These dedicated servicemembers sacrifice much 
for our country, and many have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense 
of our freedom. In fact, the per capita death rate for servicemembers 
from the territories is higher than most states. Unfortunately our 
majority has determined that despite their service, and the many 
contributions of the territories and District of Columbia, our 
constituents will be less represented in the House.
  Mr. Speaker, giving the Delegates and Resident Commissioner the 
ability to vote during Committee of the Whole proceedings will allow 
our voices to be heard during legislation considered by the full House. 
It will give us parity with other members and strengthen the long-
cherished values of this body.