    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [March 4, 1998]
    [Page 328]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on the Future Political
    Status of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
    March 4, 1998

        I am pleased that the House of Representatives has passed a bill
    which establishes a process for determining the future political status
    of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The bill does not impose onerous,
    unworkable, unprecedented, or unconstitutional language requirements on
    the citizens of Puerto Rico, unlike some proposals that were advanced in
    Congress.
        I have always called for enabling Puerto Ricans to choose among
    options available for their future: continuing the Commonwealth
    arrangement, independence, or statehood--whatever future decided by
    majority choice. The House action is a victory for democracy and against
    exclusion. It is consistent with our country's repeated commitment to
    Puerto Rican self-determination, and consistent with the pride all
    Americans can take in the contributions those of Hispanic descent have
    made to all America.