[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12] [House] [Pages 16932-16936] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 127) Recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution. The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: H. Con. Res. 127 Whereas people of Caribbean heritage are found in every State of the Union; Whereas emigration from the Caribbean region to the American Colonies began as early as 1619 with the arrival of indentured workers in Jamestown, Virginia; Whereas during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a significant number of slaves from the Caribbean region were brought to the United States; Whereas since 1820, millions of people have emigrated from the Caribbean region to the United States; Whereas like the United States, the countries of the Caribbean faced obstacles of slavery and colonialism and struggled for independence; Whereas also like the United States, the people of the Caribbean region have diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds; Whereas the independence movements throughout the Caribbean during the 1960s and the consequential establishment of independent democratic countries in the Caribbean strengthened ties between the region and the United States; Whereas Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, was born in the Caribbean; Whereas many influential Caribbean-Americans have contributed to the rich history of the United States, including Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, the pioneer settler of Chicago; Claude McKay, a poet of the Harlem Renaissance; James Weldon Johnson, the writer of the Black National Anthem; Celia Cruz, the world-renowned queen of Salsa music; and Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American Congresswoman and first African-American woman candidate for President; Whereas the many influential Caribbean-Americans in the history of the United States also include Colin Powell, the first African-American Secretary of State; Sidney Poitier, the first African-American actor to receive the Academy Award for best actor in a leading role; Harry Belafonte, a musician, actor, and activist; Al Roker, a meteorologist and television personality; and Roberto Clemente, the first Latino inducted into the baseball hall of fame; Whereas Caribbean-Americans have played an active role in the civil rights movement and other social and political movements in the United States; Whereas Caribbean-Americans have contributed greatly to the fine arts, education, business, literature, journalism, sports, fashion, politics, government, the military, music, science, technology, and other fields in the United States; Whereas Caribbean-Americans share their culture through festivals, carnivals, music, dance, film, and literature, which enrich the cultural landscape of the United States; Whereas the countries of the Caribbean are important economic partners of the United States; Whereas the countries of the Caribbean represent the United States' third border; Whereas the people of the Caribbean region share the hopes and aspirations of the people of the United States for peace and prosperity throughout the Western Hemisphere and the rest of the world; Whereas in June 2008, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation declaring June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month after the passage of H. Con. Res. 71 in the 109th Congress by both the Senate and the House of Representatives; and Whereas June is an appropriate month to establish a Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress-- (1) supports the goals and ideals of Caribbean-American Heritage Month; (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe Caribbean-American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and activities; and (3) affirms that-- (A) the contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States; and (B) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the Nation. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Harper) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts. General Leave Mr. LYNCH. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Massachusetts? There was no objection. Mr. LYNCH. On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Concurrent Resolution 127 for consideration. This resolution expresses our support for the goals and ideals of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Introduced by my colleague, Representative Barbara Lee of California, on May 14, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on June 18, 2009, House Concurrent Resolution 127 enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress. Since June of 2005, Congress has taken time each year to recognize Americans of Caribbean descent for their significant contributions to American culture and history during National Caribbean Heritage Month. Beginning as early as the year 1619, generations of Caribbean immigrants have come to America and significantly contributed their rich traditions and culture, ethnic, and religious diversity to our social fabric. Regrettably, we must acknowledge that many Caribbean-Americans arrived against their own volition--as slaves and indentured servants, whose struggles for freedom continue to reverberate. Many others came to this country in search of a better life for themselves and their children; and today, over 5 million Americans proudly share Caribbean heritage. Caribbean-Americans have offered lasting contributions to every sector of our society, from public service, science, and athletics to business, education, and entertainment. Prominent Caribbean-Americans include such historical and cultural figures as Alexander Hamilton--who was born in the Caribbean region-- former Secretary of State Colin Powell; Eric Holder, our current Attorney General; and Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Congresswoman and first African American candidate for President. Other influential Caribbean-Americans include Harlem renaissance poet, Claude McKay; actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte; and Sidney Poitier, the first African American actor to receive an Academy Award for best performance in a leading role. Mr. Speaker, these and countless other Caribbean-Americans have made invaluable contributions to our Nation, and it is fitting that we on honor them today. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 127. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. HARPER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 127 recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Every year since 2006, our Nation has recognized the contribution Caribbean-Americans have made to the United States during the month of June. The Caribbean people have had a place in the history of the United States from its very beginning. The first Caribbean people who immigrated to the United States did so in 1619 as indentured workers who were brought to Jamestown, Virginia. During the centuries that followed, many people were brought to the United States from the Caribbean as slaves and, since 1820, [[Page 16933]] millions more have emigrated, bringing with them their talents and high values, which have enriched our Nation and assisted in its formation. Many notable people in the history of the United States have strong Caribbean ties. Those already mentioned are certainly very important to the history of our country. Alexander Hamilton, not only the first Secretary of the Treasury, but also one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, was born in the Caribbean. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Sidney Poitier, and musician Harry Belafonte are all Caribbean-Americans, as you have heard. Other Caribbean-Americans have contributed to every aspect of our Nation, from the sciences to the Armed Forces. For all of these contributions, we are grateful. The United States and the nations of the Caribbean have had many traits that are indicative of our similarities with one another. The histories of the United States and the countries of the Caribbean have faced similar trials of slavery, colonialism, and the struggle for independence. The people who comprise our separate nations are similar in that we are all different, coming from very diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. In addition to celebrating the contribution Caribbean-Americans have made to the United States, we honor these historical similarities between our nations. I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in recognizing the contributions of Caribbean-Americans to the history of the United States and the way in which their presence enriches and strengthens our country. I support House Concurrent Resolution 127. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield such time as she may consume to the lead sponsor of this measure, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee). Ms. LEE of California. Let me thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding and for your leadership and for supporting and managing this resolution today. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 127, a resolution which I have authored for several years recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This resolution acknowledges the important contributions of Caribbean-Americans for the many contributions they have made to our Nation's history and culture. Let me begin by thanking Chairman Towns, Ranking Member Issa, and the staff of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on both sides for making this a bipartisan effort and for helping to bring this resolution to the floor today. I would also like to recognize many of my colleagues on this side: Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Waters, Congressman Payne, Chairman Charlie Rangel, Chairman John Conyers, Congressman Burton, and many, many Members of Congress for their tremendous leadership on issues relating to the Caribbean. Congresswoman Christensen, whom you will hear from in just a minute, from the Virgin Islands, has lead health care reform efforts to ensure that any health care reform bill must address strategies that deal with the disparities in communities of color. And for this, Congresswoman Christensen, Dr. Christensen, we are deeply grateful. I'd like to also acknowledge Dr. Claire Nelson and the Institute of Caribbean Studies, and all of the other Caribbean-American organizations in Washington, D.C., and across the country, that have worked so hard to make Caribbean-American Heritage Month 2009 a great success. As a longtime supporter of the Caribbean and a frequent visitor to the region, I am very proud to see us celebrate this important commemorative month for the fourth straight year. Since Congress first passed H. Con. Res. 71 in February of 2006, the President has issued a proclamation recognizing Caribbean-American Heritage Month every year during the month of June. This year, President Obama issued a proclamation on June 2. Mr. Speaker, I will insert that proclamation into the Record. National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2009 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation: Caribbean Americans have made lasting contributions to our Nation's culture and history, and the month of June has been set aside to honor their cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and social diversity. Generations of immigrants have preserved the traditions of their homelands, and these traditions have defined our Nation's identity. Caribbean Americans bring a unique and vibrant culture. This multilingual and multiethnic tradition has strengthened our social fabric and enriched the diversity of our Nation. Millions of individuals in the United States have Caribbean roots. Unfortunately some Caribbean Americans were forced to our country as slaves; others arrived of their own volition. All have sought the promise of a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their children. In their pursuit of success, Caribbean Americans exhibit the traits all Americans prize: determination, a devotion to community, and patriotism. They have made their mark in every facet of our society, from art to athletics and science to service. Caribbean Americans have also safeguarded our Nation in the United States Armed Forces. This month we also recognize the critical relationship the United States maintains with Caribbean nations. In a world of increasing communication and connectivity, this friendship has become even more important. We are neighbors, partners, and friends; we share the same aspirations for our children; and we strive for the very same freedoms. Together, we can meet the common challenges we face. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to commemorate this month by learning more about the history and culture of Caribbean Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. Barack Obama. People of Caribbean heritage reside in every part of our country. Since 1820, millions of people have immigrated from the Caribbean to the United States. Throughout U.S. history, we have been fortunate to benefit from countless individuals of Caribbean decent who have contributed to American Government, politics, business, arts, education, and culture, including one of my personal mentors, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm from Brooklyn, New York. {time} 1445 Shirley Chisholm was a woman of Bajan and Guyanese descent who never forgot her roots in the Caribbean. She was the first African American and the first woman to seriously run a Presidential campaign in 1972. She was also the first African American woman elected to the House of Representatives. So personally I have to honor her today because I have to say that my political involvement began as a volunteer during her historic Presidential campaign in 1972, and through her mentorship, she strengthened my interest in issues important to the African diaspora both here in the United States and abroad. During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we recognized the important contributions of people like Shirley Chisholm as well as Alexander Hamilton, Hazel Scott, Sidney Poitier, Wyclef Jean, Eric Holder, Colin Powell, Harry Belafonte, Celia Cruz and, yes, Congresswomen Donna Christensen, Sheila Jackson-Lee and Yvette Clarke and many other persons of Caribbean descent who have helped shape this country. Caribbean-American Heritage Month provides us an opportunity to strengthen our long-term partnerships with nations of the Caribbean community through greater dialogue and engagement, and must not stop with June. From disaster preparedness to trade and energy, education, and the campaign against HIV and AIDS, we share a number of mutual policy interests with our Caribbean neighbors. Last month we were able to address some of these important issues through the Institute of Caribbean Studies' Caribbean-American Legislative Forum, held annually [[Page 16934]] on the Hill during Caribbean-American Heritage Month. At the forum, people from the academic community and the private sector, regional policymakers and members of the Caribbean diaspora were able to meet to better integrate policy interests between the United States and Caribbean countries. Recent global events, from the sharp rise in food and energy prices to a series of devastating storms and the global economic downturn, have acutely affected people of the Caribbean, particularly our friends in Haiti. These ongoing regional and global crises highlight the need for continuing engagement and involvement with innovative policy solutions with our neighbors. I'm very pleased to see the Obama administration's recent announcement of increased foreign assistance to Haiti and the President's participation in the Summit of the Americas, held in Trinidad. These are all signs of this administration's fresh and new engagement with the region. Caribbean-American Heritage Month also reminds us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean- Americans in our Nation and provided us with an opportunity to send a message of good will to the Caribbean community both here and abroad. This month also provided us with an opportunity to share in the rich culture of our natives through showcases of Caribbean art, festivals, concerts and films. In my own district in Oakland, California, the Caribbean-American Heritage Association of Northern California celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the people of the Caribbean through a musical concert and family picnic. The association also hosted its Third Annual Caribbean-American Heritage Legacy Awards ceremony, honoring the contributions of Caribbean-Americans to our great country. Just as we should commemorate the achievements of the many diverse communities that make up this great country, the United States Government should continue to celebrate the rich history and diversity of Caribbean-Americans and work each and every day to ensure that the issues of concern to Caribbean-Americans and the nations of the Caribbean are included in our policy debates here in the Congress. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure to honor and salute the Caribbean-American community and to acknowledge their rich and varied contributions to the history, culture and progress of the United States. Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers at this moment. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to a cosponsor of this measure, the gentlelady from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Donna Christensen. Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Thank you for yielding, Congressman Lynch. As a person of Caribbean-American descent, I proudly rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 127 and applaud the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, for leading this effort to recognize our joint and very special heritage. The ties between the United States and its close neighbors to the south are ones that go back to the founding of our early colonies, the fight for independence and the founding of this country. George Washington, our first President, visited family in Barbados. As you've heard many times this afternoon, Alexander Hamilton, his aide-de-camp, a Revolutionary War hero, chief author of the Federalist Papers and first Secretary of the Treasury, was born in Nevis and raised in St. Croix in my own district. The service and contributions of people from the Caribbean to every facet of life in this country are countless and invaluable, and there is much to celebrate. In a special order on June 15, members of the Congressional Black Caucus came to the floor to speak about many of those individuals, and you've heard some this afternoon. But the true test of the homage we pay to the special heritage that we share is what happens going forward, and the step taken with President Obama's attendance and leadership at the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad earlier this year bodes well for that future. From the inclusion of the Caribbean countries in PEPFAR to the extension of security initiatives, the forgiveness of Haiti's debt, Congresswoman Lee's proposal for the Shirley Chisholm Educational Exchange program for students in the United States and the Caribbean, and many other initiatives, the Congressional Black Caucus has actively fostered the relationship to the benefit of both the region and our country. It is fitting that this body recognizes the special heritage we, the people of the Caribbean and the people of the United States, share and the contributions of each to the other. Again, I thank Chairwoman Lee for introducing this resolution and urge its passage. Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers at the moment. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Hank Johnson, also a cosponsor of this resolution. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Caribbean- American Heritage Month. As has been pointed out, there have been tremendous accomplishments made by our friends from the Caribbean, and it's only just that we recognize them today for the achievements that they have procured not just for folks of Caribbean descent but also for all Americans. There have been great contributions, and there will continue to be great contributions. Mr. Speaker, I believe that in this Congress we have a number of folks from the Caribbean, including my good friend and colleague Donna Christensen, whose quest has been on health care for the time that she has been in office. And she is getting ready to have her dreams realized with a good start that we're going to do on health care. Then, not to leave anyone out, but I do want to recognize my colleague and class member Yvette Clarke, who, as a staunch advocate for small businesses, is poised to do great things on behalf of small businesses, and I admire her for what she has done already and what she will do in the future. Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 127, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I'd just ask all of our Members to support Ms. Barbara Lee, the lead sponsor of this legislation, in support of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, and I ask all of our Members to join her in that effort. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 127, recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I would like to thank my colleague Representative Barbara Lee from California for introducing this important piece of legislation, as well as its many other co-sponsors. I stand in support of this legislation because it recognizes the profound role that Caribbean-Americans have played in the development of this great country. Social scientists call the United States of America ``the Melting Pot'' because of the vast number of cultures, races, ethnicities, skills, talents, and ideas that come together to make this experiment in democracy work. Caribbean-Americans are integral to that process. Slave laborers brought to the United States from the Caribbean laid the foundation for this country in its earliest days. Today, millions of Carribean-Americans have immigrated to the United States on their own accord, bringing with them their vibrant culture and firm ideals. From beginning the Department of the Treasury and breaking color barriers to changing the sound of Salsa and the Harlem Renaissance, our nation's history is steeply ingrained with the contributions of Caribbean-Americans. Caribbean nations are important neighbors and partners within the global community, playing a vital role in the pursuit of peace and prosperity throughout the world. Caribbean- American poet Claude McKay once said, ``Nations, like plants and human beings, grow. And if the development is thwarted they are dwarfed and overshadowed.'' The United States owes a great deal of its development to the Caribbean, its people, and its culture. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Caribbean Heritage Month. [[Page 16935]] In New York Carib News' June 16, 2009 edition, the article highlights the important contributions made by Caribbean Americans to both the Untied States and their respective home countries. The article refers to President Obama as having recognized the importance of the Caribbean American community and the enormous contributions it has made to the United States over past centuries. The Caribbean community continues the tradition of offering a vibrant culture, as have so many other cultures that have helped to define our American heritage. It is important to note the contributions made by English, French, Spanish and Dutch speaking nations of the Caribbean, as each of these brings its own cultural aspect to the larger American community. It is imperative that we note not only the contributions Caribbean Americans have made to the United States, but also the contributions they have made to their home countries. Each year, Caribbean Americans remit billions of dollars per year to CARICOM nations, and maintain a multi-billion dollar buying power, some of which is used to advance the growth of their home countries. The Caribbean Heritage Month celebration that will kick off in Brooklyn is defined by music, theatre, panel discussions, a cultural fair, and other activities that actively illustrate the culture of the Caribbean. In the years to come, it is important that the United States maintain a strong relationship with the Caribbean nations. The value that these nations place on growth and economic development, as well as personal advancement are values reflected in American culture and thus show the commonalities that our country shares with these nations. As we continue to cultivate these relationships, let us not forget the wealth of interchangeable benefit such communication and interaction with one another can yield. Caribbean Heritage Month plays an integral role in shaping America's understanding that such nations play in our progress and growth. May this Caribbean Heritage Month designation continue to draw from the unique culture of Caribbean Americans, and be used as a source of influence for continued Caribbean-American relations. Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 127, Recognizing the Significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I thank my friend The Gentle lady from California, Barbara Lee for her hard work on this very important resolution. This resolution ensures that every June, we recognize the many contributions of Caribbean-Americans and highlight the issues facing the Caribbean community. I have the distinct honor and privilege of representing New York's 11`h Congressional District, located in central Brooklyn. And as a child of Jamaican immigrants, I have experienced first hand the impact Caribbean Americans can have on a community, let alone a nation. That is why I have been a staunch advocate for Caribbean issues my entire public life; fighting to ensure that the agenda of Caribbean Americans are visible on the national stage. From the various Caribbean Associations dedicated to helping Caribbean Americans with myriad issues, to the West-Indian American Day Carnival on Eastern Parkway, the influence and impact of Caribbean descendents is undeniable. Caribbean Americans have contributed greatly to our nation as a whole. Some prominent Caribbean Americans include: My predecessor and role model, Former U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm, the first African American female Member of Congress, who was of Caribbean descent; Former Secretary of State Collin Powell, both the first African American to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State of Jamaican lineage; Jamaica Kincaid, an American novelist; social activists Stokely Carmichael and Malcolm X; and dancer Pearl Primus, to name a few. In Brooklyn, there have been many who have influenced my advocacy for the Caribbean community. People like my mother Dr. Una Clarke, who was the first Caribbean born woman elected to the New York City's Legislature; Lemuel Stanislaus of Grenada; Dr. Henry Frank of Haiti; and Carlos Rosada of Grenada, chairman of the West-Indian American Day Carnival Association, continue to remind me of the fight for equality, not only for the Caribbean community and their countries of origin, but for all. While Caribbean Americans have made great strides, there are still lingering issues affecting Caribbean Americans in this country. Caribbean immigrants often have little money or access to practical information when making their transition to the United States, making them the targets of immigration fraud. As a result, earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 1992, the Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2009, which makes it a federal crime to willfully misrepresent the immigration process through fraud or false representation. I also introduced H.R. 2071, which directs the Secretary of Commerce to include Caribbean descent as an option on census questionnaires. This will finally bring recognition to the broad diversity of Caribbean natives that call our country home and ensure an accurate count and proper representation. Our nation's ``third border'', shared with the Caribbean community, links the security of the U.S. with our island neighbors. In 2007, a joint-report by the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime and the World Bank linked rising crime rates in Caribbean nations to an increase in drug-trafficking. In the 110th Congress, I introduced H. Res. 1504 which calls for increased cooperation between U.S. and Caribbean officials to combat this problem. Last week, I came to this floor to express my support for provisions within H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2009 that added the Caribbean community (CARICOM), to the Merida Initiative. This initiative is a multi-year program that works in partnership with governments in Mexico, the nations of Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti to confront criminal organizations whose illicit actions undermine public safety, erode the rule of law, and threaten the national security of the United States. I also expressed my appreciation for the Shirley A. Chisholm Educational Exchange Program authorized in the bill. These provisions promote security and education within the Caribbean community, fostering social and economic development abroad and keeping us safe at home. Again it is my honor as a child of the Caribbean and my duty as the Representative of the 11th Congressional District of New York, to urge my colleagues to stand with me in supporting this Resolution. I thank Congresswoman Lee for leading the charge on this and for yielding time. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support of H. Con. Res. 127, which recognizes the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. As a child of Jamaican parents, I understand the importance of recognizing the influence Caribbean cultures continues to have on all facets of these United States. Growing up, my parents, who hail from Jamaica, instilled in me a strong appreciation for their Caribbean values. As a result of my upbringing, I have adopted a strong work ethic arid tremendous pride in my heritage. As a parent, I have passed on these same values to my own children, so they will develop a sense of pride in their Caribbean heritage and acknowledge the many roles Caribbean people play in shaping this nation. I whole-heartedly support this resolution that commemorates Caribbean heritage, history, culture and contributions to the United States. In her 1970 autobiography, Shirley Chislom, the first black woman elected to Congress, credited her success to the education she received while attending school in Barbados. She wrote, ``Years later I would know what an important gift my parents had given me by seeing to it that I had my early education in the strict, traditional, British-style schools of Barbados. If I speak and write easily now, that early education is the main reason.'' This is a nation built by immigrants. From as early as the 17th century there have been individuals from the Caribbean Islands, working here in the United States as indentured servants in the colony of Jamestown, Virginia. They worked in fields picking cotton, tobacco and crops just as the slaves. Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well-being of American society since its founding. Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the Treasury was from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. We count among our famous sons and daughters, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B. Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name a few. H. Con. Res. 127 recognizes the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. Our nation would not be what it is today without these significant contributions of the Caribbean people and we should honor these accomplishments with the passing of this legislation. The contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States and play an important role in shaping the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States, which ultimately enriches and strengthens our nation. By passing this legislation we continue to honor the friendship between the United States and Caribbean countries. We are united by our common values and shared history, and we should celebrate the rich Caribbean Heritage and the many ways in which Caribbean Americans have helped shape this nation. [[Page 16936]] I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Caribbean countries. Mr. LYNCH. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 127. 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. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________