H772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 Clement Hoyer Ortiz Walsh Weldon (FL) Wolf more flexible penalty procedure for Clyburn Hulshof Owens Waters Weldon (PA) Woolsey Coble Hunter Oxley Watkins Wexler Wynn States that violate interjurisdictional Coburn Hutchinson Packard Watt (NC) Weygand Yates adoption requirements, which was re- Collins Hyde Pallone Watts (OK) White Young (AK) ferred to the House Calendar and or- Combest Inglis Pappas Waxman Wise Young (FL) dered to be printed. Condit Jackson (IL) Parker NAYS—41 Conyers Jackson-Lee Pascrell f Cook (TX) Pastor Aderholt Hefley Riley Cooksey Jefferson Paul Archer Hilleary Rogers Cox John Paxon Bachus Istook Royce UNITED STATES-PUERTO RICO Coyne Johnson (CT) Payne Bryant Jenkins Salmon POLITICAL STATUS ACT Cramer Johnson (WI) Pease Carson Jones Schaffer, Bob Crapo Johnson, E. B. Pelosi Chabot Kingston Sensenbrenner The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cubin Johnson, Sam Peterson (MN) Costello LaHood Sessions PEASE). Pursuant to House Resolution Cummings Kanjorski Peterson (PA) Crane Latham Smith, Linda Cunningham Kaptur Pickering Duncan Lewis (KY) Spence 376 and rule XXIII, the Chair declares Danner Kasich Pickett Emerson Metcalf Wamp the House in the Committee of the Davis (FL) Kelly Pitts Goode Norwood Weller Whole House on the State of the Union Davis (IL) Kennedy (MA) Pombo Goodling Obey Whitfield for the consideration of the bill, H.R. Davis (VA) Kennelly Pomeroy Graham Petri Wicker Deal Kildee Porter Hall (TX) Regula 856. Kilpatrick DeFazio Portman NOT VOTING—19 DeGette Kim Price (NC) b 1212 Delahunt Kind (WI) Pryce (OH) Chenoweth Kennedy (RI) Shimkus DeLauro King (NY) Quinn Doolittle Luther Stark IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE DeLay Kleczka Radanovich Ewing Poshard Tiahrt Accordingly, the House resolved Deutsch Klink Rahall Frank (MA) Rogan Torres Diaz-Balart Klug Ramstad Gibbons Ros-Lehtinen Towns itself into the Committee of the Whole Dickey Knollenberg Rangel Gonzalez Scarborough House on the State of the Union for the Dicks Kolbe Redmond Harman Schiff consideration of the bill (H.R. 856) to Dingell Kucinich Reyes provide a process leading to full self- Dixon LaFalce Riggs b 1209 government for Puerto Rico, with Mr. Doggett Lampson Rivers Messrs. ARCHER, GRAHAM, Dooley Lantos Rodriguez DIAZ-BALART in the chair. Doyle Largent Roemer HEFLEY and RILEY changed their The Clerk read the title of the bill. Dreier LaTourette Rohrabacher vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the Dunn Lazio Rothman Ms. DELAURO changed her vote from rule, the bill is considered as having Edwards Leach Roukema ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Ehlers Levin Roybal-Allard been read the first time. Ehrlich Lewis (CA) Rush So the resolution was agreed to. Under the rule, the gentleman from Engel Lewis (GA) Ryun The result of the vote was announced Alaska (Mr. YOUNG), the gentleman English Linder Sabo as above recorded. from California (Mr. MILLER), the gen- Ensign Lipinski Sanchez A motion to reconsider was laid on Eshoo Livingston Sanders tleman from New York (Mr. SOLOMON) Etheridge LoBiondo Sandlin the table. and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lofgren Evans Sanford f 1 Everett Lowey Sawyer GUTIERREZ) each will control 22 ⁄2 min- Farr Lucas Saxton PERSONAL EXPLANATION utes. Fattah Maloney (CT) Schaefer, Dan The Chair recognizes the gentleman Fawell Maloney (NY) Schumer Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG). Fazio Manton Scott 27, I was inadvertertly detained. Had I been Filner Manzullo Serrano (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was Foley Markey Shadegg present, I would have voted ``aye.'' given permission to revise and extend Forbes Martinez Shaw f his remarks.) Ford Mascara Shays Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- Fossella Matsui Sherman REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVID- man, I yield myself such time as I may Fowler McCarthy (MO) Shuster ING FOR CONSIDERATION OF Fox McCarthy (NY) Sisisky consume. H.R. 2369, WIRELESS PRIVACY Franks (NJ) McCollum Skaggs Mr. Chairman, this is a very histori- Frelinghuysen McCrery Skeen ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1998 Frost McDade Skelton cal moment, one that is long overdue. Furse McDermott Slaughter Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, from the Com- In debate on the rule, there were some Gallegly McGovern Smith (MI) mittee on Rules, submitted a privi- statements made that I think should Ganske McHale Smith (NJ) leged report (Rept. No. 105–427) on the Gejdenson McHugh Smith (OR) be clarified before I go into the full Gekas McInnis Smith (TX) resolution (H. Res. 377) providing for text of my presentation today, why I Gephardt McIntosh Smith, Adam consideration of the bill (H.R. 2369) to support this legislation. Gilchrest McIntyre Snowbarger amend the Communications Act of 1934 The Northern Marianas were men- Gillmor McKeon Snyder Gilman McKinney Solomon to strengthen and clarify prohibitions tioned and other territories were men- Goodlatte McNulty Souder on electronic eavesdropping, and for tioned, and how they came into this Gordon Meehan Spratt other purposes, which was referred to great united part of our United States, Goss Meek (FL) Stabenow the House Calendar and ordered to be Granger Meeks (NY) Stearns even as territories are separate govern- Green Menendez Stenholm printed. ments. But, for instance, the Northern Greenwood Mica Stokes f Marianas, the Government of the Gutierrez Millender- Strickland United States and the Government of Gutknecht McDonald Stump REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVID- Hall (OH) Miller (CA) Stupak the Northern Marianas will consult Hamilton Miller (FL) Sununu ING FOR CONSIDERATION OF regularly on all matters affecting the Hansen Minge Talent H.R. 3130, CHILD SUPPORT PER- relationship between them. At the re- Hastert Mink Tanner FORMANCE AND INCENTIVE ACT quest of either government, and not Hastings (FL) Moakley Tauscher OF 1998 Hastings (WA) Mollohan Tauzin less frequently than every 10 years Hayworth Moran (KS) Taylor (MS) Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, from the Com- there shall be an additional consulta- Hefner Moran (VA) Taylor (NC) mittee on Rules, submitted a privi- tion taken. Herger Morella Thomas Hill Murtha Thompson leged report (Rept. No. 105–428) on the Mr. Chairman, over 100 years ago, Hilliard Myrick Thornberry resolution (H. Res. 378) providing for this Congress was passionately discuss- Hinchey Nadler Thune consideration of the bill (H.R. 3130) to ing the 400-year-old colonial grip that Hinojosa Neal Thurman Hobson Nethercutt Tierney provide for an alternative penalty pro- Spain had on the islands adjacent to Hoekstra Neumann Traficant cedure for States that fail to meet Fed- and south of Florida. Just over 2 weeks Holden Ney Turner eral child support data processing re- earlier, on February 15, 266 American Hooley Northup Upton quirements, to reform Federal incen- servicemen lost their lives in Havana Horn Nussle Velazquez Hostettler Oberstar Vento tive payments for effective child sup- harbor with the explosion of the United Houghton Olver Visclosky port performance, and to provide for a States warship, the Maine. March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H773 b 1215 ment for the first half of this century, Mr. Chairman, about the same time The monument to these gallant mean culminating with the authorization in as President Bush requested Congress stands highest above all else in Arling- 1950 for the process of a development of authorize a political status referendum ton National Monument. Many others a local constitutional government. in Puerto Rico, the three presidents of lost their lives in the ensuing Spanish- By 1952, Congress conditionally ap- the three principal political status par- American War amid the cries of ‘‘Re- proved a draft constitution submitted ties in Puerto Rico asked Congress to member the Maine.’’ But why? by the legislature of Puerto Rico. After help resolve Puerto Rico’s political This Congress declared war and sent those changes were made by Puerto status, as Puerto Rico has never been Americans in harm’s way in the de- Rico, the new constitutional govern- formally consulted as to their choice of fense of the sacred ideal: self-deter- ment of the territory became effective ultimate political status. mination. America won the war, and under the name declared by the con- While Congress has yet to formally assumed sovereignty over Cuba, Puerto stitutional convention as the Common- respond to the request of the President, Rico, and some of Spain’s Pacific pos- wealth of Puerto Rico. the leaders of Puerto Rico, and the pe- sessions. All but one are no longer ter- The establishment of local constitu- titions of the Americans in Puerto ritories. Only Puerto Rico still stands, tional self-government did not alter Rico, this bill will do just what has after 100 years, a territory. Congress’ constitutional responsibility been asked by the people of Puerto Mr. Chairman, Congress promptly de- under the Territorial Clause for Puerto Rico in numerous years and numerous livered on its promise of self-deter- Rico. However, it was under the first times by the president of the Senate, mination to the people of Cuba by pro- years of the commonwealth that Presi- by the Presidents in the past in their viding for a process which permitted dent Eisenhower established the Eisen- platforms. Cuba to become a separate sovereign hower Doctrine regarding Puerto Rico The United States-Puerto Rico Polit- after a few brief years. which is still in effect today and is re- ical Status Act, H.R. 856, establishes in In contrast, the Rough Rider who had flected in the United States-Puerto Federal law for the first time a process charged up San Juan Hill to ensure the Rico Political Status Act. to resolve Puerto Rico’s political sta- After the local constitutional govern- United States’ victory in the Caribbean tus. I remind my colleagues it will not ment of Puerto Rico was established, had become President of the United happen overnight, regardless of what Puerto Rico was removed from the States and urged Congress to grant we do here today. This is just a process United Nations’ decolonization list, United States citizenship to the people that will take place. prompting questions as to whether of Puerto Rico in his 1905 State of the My colleague who was speaking on Puerto Rico was still a territory under Union address. Quote, ‘‘I earnestly ad- the rule said that the public is not the sovereignty of the United States vocate the adoption of legislation aware of this action today. May I re- and subject to the authority of Con- which will explicitly confer American mind my colleagues that if we were to gress. President Eisenhower, a Repub- citizenship on all citizens of Puerto pass this bill today, and I hope we do lican, acted decisively by sending a Rico. There is, in my judgment, no ex- pass this bill today, it must be passed message to the United Nations that he cuse for the failure to do this.’’ by the Senate and the people of Puerto I believe President Teddy Roosevelt’s recommended that the United States Rico must also pass it in 1998. It comes words are even more true today to this Congress grant Puerto Rico separate back to the Congress in 1999, and by bill as when he spoke them in 1905. sovereignty if requested by the Puerto Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico, Ricans through the legislature of Puer- 1999 we again in Congress must act. We now numbering some 4 million, have to Rico. must pass a bill approving the transi- been loyal to this Nation and have val- While the legislature has never peti- tional stage. Then it goes back to the iantly fought in every major conflict. tioned for separate sovereignty, the people of Puerto Rico. And, by the way, We have all benefited in ways that can- legislature sent joint resolutions to the start of the transition period be- not be calculated from the bravery, the Congress in 1993, 1994, and 1997 request- gins in the year 2000. loyalty, and the patriotism of over ing congressional action. Keep that in But this more than anything else is a 200,000 Americans from Puerto Rico mind, because I have heard time and bill that establishes the right to deter- who have served in our Nation’s Armed again that the Congress, by doing this, mine for the first time in 100 years Forces. is dictating to the Puerto Rican people. their self-determination. It is a fair It is clear that a heavy price has been But the legislature sent to this Con- and balanced process that has been de- paid by Puerto Rico for this country, gress in 1993, 1994, 1997 requesting con- veloped with an enormous amount of which has yet to fully deliver on the gressional action to define the political input. Mr. Chairman, I resent certain promise of the U.S. General Miles when status and establish a process to re- Members saying that this has not been he landed in Puerto Rico 100 years ago solve, establish the process to resolve fair. We asked all of those people in- this year: Puerto Rico’s political status dilemma. volved, all three parties, to submit ‘‘In the continuation of the war Although in recent years the Puerto what their definition should be in this against the Kingdom of Spain by the Rican legislature formally requested bill. We have in my substitute recog- people of the United States, in the the Congress to resolve Puerto Rico’s nized commonwealth. We recognize cause of freedom, justice and human- political status, U.S. citizens in Puerto independence. We set forth a process ity, their military forces have come to Rico had been advocating action for which will create a State. occupy the island of Puerto Rico. They over a decade. I remember the submis- Mr. Chairman, if it does become a come bearing the flag of freedom. They sion to Congress in 1985 to 1987 of over State, I am one of the few people, along bring you the encouraging strength of 350,000 individually signed petitions for with the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. a Nation of free people whose greatest full citizenship rights. This incredible ABERCROMBIE) that has gone through power consists of justice and humanity grassroots effort was led by Dr. Miriam this process. for all those who live in their commu- Ramirez of the nonprofit, nonpartisan I have heard some statements here nity. The principal objective will be to civic organization, Puerto Ricans in today about English language only. give the people of your beautiful island Civic Action. When Alaska became a State, that was the largest extent of freedom possible. Mr. Chairman I believe this initiative not a requirement. We had 52 different We have not come to wage war, but to influenced the then president of the dialects in Alaska. People speak bring protection, not just for you but Senate to include in his first State of English. They also speak many other for your property, in order to promote the Union address as President on Feb- languages. It was not a requirement. your prosperity and in order to obtain ruary 9, 1989, the following request: Hawaii has two official languages. for you the privileges and the blessings ‘‘I’ve long believed the people of Puerto They have English and Hawaiian. New of our government. It is not our pur- Rico should have their right to deter- Mexico has two official languages, pose to interfere with any of the laws mine their own political future. Per- English and Spanish. and customs present that are wise and sonally, I strongly favor statehood. But The concept of the amendments that beneficial.’’ I urge the Congress to take the nec- will be offered to this bill, especially The Congress provided Puerto Rico essary steps to allow the people to de- the amendment of the gentleman from with increasing levels of self-govern- cide in a referendum.’’ New York (Mr. SOLOMON), he is my H774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 good friend and we talk about what the House of Representatives had an under the national sovereignty of the good friends we are, it is a poison pill obligation to report to this floor a fair United States. It is the policy of the amendment. America is a melting pot. and accurate plan for the citizens of Congress that this relationship should It is a group of people coming together Puerto Rico to choose their status. I only be dissolved by mutual consent. under one flag. We all speak different believe that this committee has met That is the situation that we have. languages at different times. Some of that obligation. We went on to say that in the exer- us are more fortunate to speak more Mr. Chairman I thank the gentleman cise of the sovereignty, the laws of the than one language, but we must always from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG), chairman of commonwealth shall govern Puerto recognize the cohesive part of the the committee, for leading us through Rico to the extent that they are con- United States, and that is being an what has been a difficult process. I also sistent with the Constitution of the American. English will come. But to thank the gentleman from Puerto Rico United States. There is no other way to pick out one part of this bill and to say (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ ), our friend, for do business, consistent with the Con- this is a requirement before it ever all of his help in this process. stitution of the United States, treaties happens is a poison pill amendment to Mr. Chairman, the people of Puerto and laws of the United States, and the this legislation. Rico, if this bill is passed, will be given Congress retains its constitutional au- Let us talk about history again. This the opportunity by the Congress of the thority to enact laws that it deems is the last territory of the greatest de- United States under the laws of this necessary relating to Puerto Rico. mocracy, America. A territory where Nation to choose their status. They That is the burden of commonwealth. no one has a true voice, although our can choose to continue in the common- That is why some people do not like it. government does an excellent job, but wealth arrangement, they could choose Some people would prefer independence there are approximately 4 million to become an independent nation, they over commonwealth, and some people Puerto Ricans that have one voice that could choose to become one of the would prefer statehood. There is a cer- cannot vote. This is not America as I States of the United States of America. tain burden to commonwealth. We can- know it. This is an America that talks Our obligation was to see that when not pretend that there is not. But the one thing and walks another thing. this process went forward to the people people of Puerto Rico ought to be able This is an America that is saying, if of Puerto Rico, that it was a fair proc- to choose that. They have to be able to Members do not accept this legislation, ess, that it was an accurate process. We choose the status that they want. That is what this legislation does. It ‘‘no’’ to who I think are some of the had had an earlier plebiscite where the enables the people of Puerto Rico to greatest Americans that have ever parties wrote their own definitions and make their choice; not our choice, served in our armed forces and are the people voted, and the Congress has their choice. And hopefully under this proud to be Americans but do not have done nothing because the Congress legislation, the Congress would then the representation that they need. knew in fact those definitions, whether honor that choice after the President This legislation is just the beginning. they were of statehood or of common- and others have worked out a plan to It is one small step of many steps. It is wealth, were, in fact, not accurate and enable that choice to go forward. That a step for freedom, it is a small step for would not be supported by the Congress is what this legislation does. Nothing justice, it is a small step for America. of the United States and did not reflect more, nothing less. But collectively it is a great stride for the laws and the Constitution of this I think it is an important piece of democracy and for justice. country. legislation. I think it is recognized This legislation should pass. The In the committee, I was very dis- that the people of Puerto Rico are enti- amendment of the gentleman from New traught at beginning of this process be- tled to and must have a free and fair York (MR. SOLOMON) should be de- cause I felt that those who support vote on this matter. I would hope that feated. We should go forth and show commonwealth were not able to my colleagues would support this legis- the people of America, show the people present their definition to the Con- lation to allow that to happen. of Puerto Rico, that our hearts are gress, to the committee. I worked very Mr. Chairman, the House today considers true, so that the rest of the world will hard so that that definition could be H.R. 856, a complex bill that has, at its core, follow the example of the great United offered. I offered that definition. It was a very basic concept: the right of a free people States and free their territories and turned down overwhelming on a bipar- to determine the political system under which free the people so they can have self- tisan basis. It was something called they live. determination. This is what this bill ‘‘enhanced commonwealth.’’ It was sort Puerto Rico has been a part of the United does, and that is all it does. of a make-believe status of common- States for a century. Its residents, whether Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance wealth. they live in San Juan, Mayaguez, New York or of my time. b 1230 San Francisco, are United States citizens. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- H.R. 856 gives those 4 million Americans the man, I yield 30 seconds to the gen- The suggestion was that if you voted right to decide their future status relationship tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- for commonwealth, you would then be to the rest of the United States: to become an BARCELO´ ). empowered to pick your way through independent nation, to become a state, or to ´ Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Chair- the Constitution of the United States remain in commonwealth status. man, I would love to be able to speak and the laws of the United States and Unlike some of my colleagues who have for 30 minutes, an hour or two hours on pick and choose which laws you wanted worked on this issue over the past decade, I this subject, but there are so many to apply and not have apply, and that do not have a personal preference. I believe other people that want to speak on this you did not have to live under the status should be determined by the governed. subject, and many of my colleagues power of the Congress of the United Our obligation is to present fair and accurate have heard me over and over on this, States or of the Constitution of the status options to the voters of Puerto RicoÐ that I am going to yield some of the United States. That simply was unac- options that reflect Constitutional and political time that I would have been allotted so ceptable to the overwhelming majority realityÐand to honor the choice made by a that other Members of this Congress of the committee. I believe it is unac- majority of the voters. can address the House in support of ceptable to the overwhelming majority During much of the consideration of this leg- this bill which is a very, very impor- of this House. Someone can certainly islation by the Resources Committee in this tant bill for the people of Puerto Rico, come forward and offer that amend- Congress and the previous Congress, I could for the 3,800,000 U.S. citizens in Puerto ment this afternoon, should they not support the legislation because I did not Rico. choose, and I believe it would clearly believe that the very sizeable number of Puer- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- be unacceptable to the people of this to Rican voters who support the Common- man, I yield myself 41⁄2 minutes. country. wealth option were treated fairly. Originally, (Mr. MILLER of California asked and So what we put forth is a definition this bill did not even contain any Common- was given permission to revise and ex- of commonwealth that recognizes their wealth option. tend his remarks.) current status today, that they live in But I am pleased to say that Chairman Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- a commonwealth arrangement. It says YOUNG worked closely with me and with oth- man, the Committee on Resources of Puerto Rico is joined in relationship ers to ensure that each of the political parties March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H775 was heard, and that we ultimately agreed on the size of the House permanently when other they are a part is prepared to hear their views definitions that are fair and accurate. They are multi-Member territories were admitted in the and respond to their desires. That we will included in Mr. YOUNG's substitute, and I sup- 19th and early 20th century. stand by our historic and legal tradition that in- port that substitute strongly. There are those who argue that Puerto Rico clusion in America is not dependent on one's Rarely have we seen more intense lobbying would cost the federal government money background or ethnicity, but on a common al- on an issue. It is obvious that opinions are di- were it to become a state. I would hope that legiance to this nation and its Constitution. vided on Puerto Rico's status and on this leg- the financial status of citizens would not be an After being a part of the United States for 100 islation. But let them address some of the mis- issue in determining whether they are ac- years, after sending its sons to war five times conceptions and misrepresentations that are corded the full rights of citizenship. I thought in this century, it is time that this Congress being circulated about this bill, because Mem- we had resolved that issue by declaring the recognized the right of Puerto Rico to deter- bers should not be confused and should not poll tax and properly ownership unconstitu- mine its future in a democratic fashion. That is be deceived into voting on this subject based tional. And we should be careful about apply- the purpose and the policy contained in H.R. on inaccuracies. ing such a standard: as of FY 1996, 29 856, and I call on the House today to pass No one in this Chamber is more qualified statesÐmore than halfÐreceived more federal this bill, and defeat the divisive Solomon than I to speak about how we addressed the expenditures than they paid in taxes. Let's not amendment. Commonwealth issue. I so strongly advocated impose a standard on Puerto Rico that we Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield inclusion of a Commonwealth option that I was wouldn't apply to other states. myself such time as I may consume. accused of being pro-Commonwealth. The I also have noted some questions as to why In April of 1775, hundreds of brave definition of Commonwealth supplied by that the bill calls for periodic referenda should ei- men stormed the bridges of Lexington party, which is similar in many respects to the ther permanent statusÐindependence or and Concord, setting in motion a revo- definition on the ballot during the 1993 ref- statehoodÐnot be selected. Let us be clear lutionary struggle for liberty that cul- erendum in Puerto Rico, is not accurate and that the bill authorizes additional referenda, it minated in my hometown of Saratoga, New York, in the greatest victory for is not acceptable to the Congress. It is not ac- does not mandate them. The purpose of the individual freedom and democracy in ceptable that Puerto Rico would be eligible for referenda is to determine a permanent status, all of human history. That blood- full participation in all federal programs without and commonwealth is generally recognized stained victory of our forefathers has paying taxes; it is not acceptable that Puerto not to meet that test. Should the voters of left the legacy that you and I and all of Rico would pick and choose which federal Puerto Rico decide to continue as a common- us call America. laws apply on the island; it is not acceptable wealth, they could do so indefinitely. Liberty and justice and democracy, Lastly, let me address what has unfortu- that Puerto Rico would be free to make its these are words that do more than de- own foreign treaties. nately become a centerpiece of this debate: scribe our Nation’s ideals and prin- I appreciate that this is what the supporters whether we should, in this legislation, mandate ciples. They are the very essence of of ``enhanced Commonwealth'' want. But the English as the official national language. this country of ours. These ideals are The House voted on that legislation in 1996; Congress is not prepared to give such unprec- able to thrive and to dominate the po- the leadership could bring it before the full edented rights to Puerto Rico while denying litical and economic landscapes of the them to every state in the Union. Neverthe- House again at any time. But this is not the United States because of the people’s less, I offered that definition in the Resources time or place to do it. The Solomon amend- devotion to its unit as a Nation, to an Committee so that it would be clear what is ment declares English to be the national lan- idea that there is something unique, and is not acceptable to the Congress. It was guage, but it imposes a series of additional something distinct about being an overwhelmingly, and bipartisanly, defeated. unconstitutional burdens on the people of American. And Congress should not offer an option to Puerto Rico, requiring that ``all communica- Throughout my military service, my the voters of Puerto Rico that we are not pre- tions with the federal government by the gov- small-business career and the last 31 pared to embrace. ernment or people of Puerto Rico shall be in years in public office, I have dedicated The definition of Puerto Rico now included English''; requiring that ``English will be the my life to further the principles of in the substitute by Mr. YOUNG may not be sole official language of all federal government freedom and democracy and self-deter- utopian, but it is historically and Constitu- activities in Puerto Rico''; imposing English as mination throughout this world. Like tionally accurate. the ``language of instruction in public schools.'' all of my colleagues, I have been There are some who argue that this bill is We don't need to single out Puerto Rico like blessed to live in this most free and unfair because it fails to recognize that Puerto this, to inflame this debate and insult the 500- democratic Nation in the world, and Rico is a ``nation.'' Puerto Rico, like many year-old culture of 4 million Americans. We sometimes you ought to travel over- other areas of the United States, has a unique have a reasonable alternative amendment that seas into the former Soviet Union and history and unique culture; that is in part what is going to be introduced by Congressmen see how much they respect this democ- makes our country so remarkable and endur- DAN BURTON, BILL MCCOLLUM, DON YOUNG racy of ours. It was a product of blood ing. But Puerto Rico is not a nation in any and myself that takes a different, and fairer, and sweat and commitment to prin- sense under U.S. law or international law. Our approach. The Clinton Administration supports ciple, of those who have gone before us. refusal to recognize Puerto Rico as a ``nation'' our substitute. While serving in the United States in H.R. 856 is not a slight; it is accurate. Our amendment says Puerto Rico, if it be- Marine Corps during the Korean era, I There are some who oppose this bill be- comes a state, will be treated exactly like was privileged to serve side by side cause they do not want America to ``wake up every other state. If Congress decides that with so many Puerto Rican Americans, tomorrow'' and find out Puerto Rico is going to English is to be the official language and great people, great personal friends of be the 51st state. This bill provides for a plebi- passes a comprehensive law to that effect, mine, and to be stationed for a time on scite to choose among three options, only one then Puerto Rico will be covered Just like the island of Viacus in Puerto Rico of which is statehood. Even if that option is every other state. But let's not single out Puer- where I made some of my closest chosen, there is a transition period of up to a to Rico in a divisive and unconstitutional man- friendships that today still exist, and decade during which a plan for achieving ner for special treatment. during that time I was able to gain a statehood would be developed, and then Our amendment also calls for Puerto Rico personal affection for the people of voted on in the Congress and in Puerto Rico. to promote the teaching of English because Puerto Rico and for their love of lib- And Congress also will vote on an admissions that language is clearly the language that al- erty and their distinct culture. As a re- act. So no one should be under a lows for the fullest participation in all aspects sult Puerto Rico and its people hold a misimpression that this legislation railroads of American life. And we call for inclusion in very warm space in my heart. statehood. any transition plan of proposals and incentives Today the House considers a bill Some have raised concerns that admitting for promoting English proficiency in the which may lead to a dramatic and per- Puerto Rico at some point in the future will schools and elsewhere in Puerto Rico. Surely, manent change in the lives of these cost some states seats in this House. I per- we can reasonably address this issue in an U.S. citizens. It is billed by its support- sonally support increasing the size of the equitable manner without passing a ers as a bill to permanently resolve the House to 441 seats to accommodate the 6 confrontational and unfair insult to our fellow political status of Puerto Rico through new seats Puerto Rico would occupy. In any countrymen and women. a process of self-determination. But event, that is a statutory decision to be made The time has come to tell the people of however lofty and worthy the objec- by the Congress, just as Congress increased Puerto Rico that the rest of the nation of which tives of this bill, it is a flawed measure H776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 that flips the very principles of self-de- Mr. Chairman, back in 1990, the last sition bill. Within 5 days of the receipt termination and democracy on their time this House considered similar leg- of that bill, the majority leaders of the heads, Mr. Chairman. In establishing a islation, all of the parties were sup- House and the Senate are required to self-determination process for Puerto portive of the process and supported introduce the bill. And within 120 days Rico, Congress, under the U.S. Con- that bill because it was a fair bill. I of introduction, a vote occurs on the stitution, must answer to two distinct voted for it. It sailed through the bill on the floor of this House of Rep- yet equally important interests, my House under suspension of the rules resentatives, which could happen next colleagues should listen to this, the only to be stalled in the other body. July or August or September or Octo- citizens of Puerto Rico and the citizens Today we debate a controversial bill ber or November or December of 1999. of the United States. I believe this bill not just here in the United States, but That is how close this is. as currently drafted fails to answer to also in Puerto Rico. In essence, this bill sets up a process either interest, either the Puerto Rican One final comment on this bill’s self- whereby the citizens of Puerto Rico are citizens or the American citizens on determination problems, Mr. Chair- forced to vote until they choose state- this mainland, for this bill actually man. As this bill currently stands, it hood, and then the process kicks in to violates self-determination. Read the requires Puerto Rico permanently to high gear under expedited procedures conference, read the report of this bill hold this referendum every 10 years as I have just outlined. which was authored by the gentleman until statehood gets 50 percent plus 1. Yes, it is true that it may take up to from California (Mr. MILLER). Then the transition and implementa- 10 years, as the bill says, for the proc- I strongly support allowing the citi- tion process begins. Since the current ess to run its course, but the bulk of zens of Puerto Rico to vote on the fu- support for independence hovers the actual process occurs up front, and ture of their political status. In fact, around 5 percent and for statehood Members had better understand it. they actually do not need to get per- around 45 percent, the likely outcome The most serious constitutional res- mission from this Congress of the of a forced decennial vote seems likely ervation of this bill involves the treat- United States to do so. In fact, they al- ment of the rights enjoyed by the peo- to be statehood with hardly half the ready did in 1952, in 1967, and again in ple of Puerto Rico currently under the population supporting it. 1993. However, I firmly believe that in This bill also contains certain con- commonwealth status. The ballot con- order for a political process to deliver stitutional pitfalls. Mr. Chairman, tained in the bill states that Congress self-determination, it must always Members should listen carefully to may determine which rights under the allow for the participation of all of its what I am about to say because their United States Constitution are guaran- citizens, not just some. This bill as cur- constituents want to know this. Under teed to the people of Puerto Rico. rently drafted not only requires, but This statement is wrong at several this bill, if the citizens of Puerto Rico listen to this, it demands that Puerto levels. First, it rests upon the remark- choose statehood in the first referen- Rico hold a plebiscite before the end of able proposition that Congress has the this year, 1998. Who are we to tell dum, the constitutional protections authority to deprive the people of them? In that referendum the citizens given States begin to apply to Puerto Puerto Rico of any and all of their con- of Puerto Rico will be asked to choose Rico upon the President’s submission stitutional rights. This provision of between commonwealth, between sepa- of a transition plan taking Puerto Rico this bill is demonstrably false, Mr. rate sovereignty and statehood. This from commonwealth to statehood. Chairman, because even Puerto Rico, if What this means is that the process seems to be simple enough. However, it were an unincorporated territory, of integrating Puerto Rico into this Mr. Chairman, there is a catch to it. the people of Puerto Rico would be still Members of this House should be Union begins with a vote of the transi- guaranteed fundamental constitutional aware that the Statehood Party of tion bill. Members better remember rights. That is why so many people in Puerto Rico supports the ballot defini- that. According to the Supreme Court Puerto Rico support commonwealth. tion of statehood in this bill, and the in Balzac v. People of Puerto Rico, way The description of the citizenship Puerto Rican Independence Party sup- back in 1922, once the process of inte- rights of Puerto Rico is similarly ports the ballot definition of independ- gration begins, it is very difficult to re- flawed. It states that Puerto Ricans ence in this bill. However, the Com- verse, and we will not reverse it. are merely statutory citizens and im- monwealth Party, the party that actu- The catch with this provision is that plies that their citizenship may be re- ally won every past referendum on po- under this bill, Congress will be re- voked by Congress. Well, the people of litical status, does not support the def- quired to vote on this transition plan Puerto Rico are United States citizens inition of commonwealth in this bill. as early as early next year. While Puer- within the meaning of the 14th amend- And ask yourself why not? to Rico may not officially join the ment. Get the amendment out. Read it. In fact, the definition of common- Union for another 5 or 6 or 7 or 10 The 14th amendment. These points wealth was written not just once but years, the vote to begin the admissions were clearly enunciated yesterday by twice by the supporters of the state- process could take place as early as our colleague, the chairman of the hood option without the approval of next year, and there would be no turn- House Committee on the Judiciary, the vast majority of the people in ing back at that point. Subcommittee on the Constitution. We Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth Such a voting strategy is almost have it over here, if Members want to Party. What this means is that the identical to that done when we gave read it. largest political party in Puerto Rico away the Panama Canal to Panama Third and finally, this bill fails to is faced with a grave choice under this and when Great Britain gave Hong clearly lay out how assimilation would bill. They can either choose to cam- Kong back to China. Members better occur under the bill for either Puerto paign, to support, to vote for a ballot start thinking about that because their Rico or the United States, and this is definition that directly contradicts the constituents are thinking about it. A the most important part of this entire very premise of their political party’s vote to do it occurs now, while it actu- debate. As I stated earlier, I have a existence, or they cannot participate in ally changes hands sometime in the fu- great deal of respect for the pride and the referendum. They have chosen not ture. That is what we are voting on for the culture of the people of Puerto to participate, and that is a terrible here today. Rico. They are wonderful people. I be- shame. Mr. Chairman, our constituents want lieve, as do many of my colleagues, So first and foremost, the House is to know, they want us to listen and to that Puerto Rico is a nation, it is debating a measure designed to deter- be careful about this. With the referen- unique and distinct in its own right, mine Puerto Rico’s political status in dum required to be held before the end and Puerto Rico has every right to pre- which one of the three local political of this year, this bill requires the serve and enhance this rich heritage of parties, in fact the largest in Puerto President to send Congress transition culture and history. That is their right. Rico, will not even participate. How is legislation within 180 days of that ref- But if the citizens of Puerto Rico that going to take an accurate and erendum. That means if that referen- freely choose to seek statehood, they democratic measure of the political dum is held in December, as late as De- should understand clearly, and I think choices of those 3.8 million U.S. citi- cember of this year, within 180 days the my good friend the gentleman from Il- zens there? The fact is, it is not. President is ordered to send us a tran- linois (Mr. GUTIERREZ) made this point March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H777 earlier, what are the assimilation ex- and the American people deserve to the Commonwealth party learned pectations of the American people, of know the ramifications of each of those about the bill’s definition of Common- the 260 million Americans in this coun- options. Until this bill becomes an ac- wealth from a reporter. try? Puerto Rico deserves a clear, con- tual self-determination bill, passes In fact, the statehood party had to cise and direct discussion of these constitutional muster in all of its com- rewrite the Commonwealth definition issues. They have not had that. They ponents, and fundamentally addresses after a poll in a major Puerto Rican do not know what the assimilation the issue of assimilation, I will oppose newspaper showed that 75 percent of would be. Admitting a State requires this bill. And I hope we can clarify it Puerto Ricans supported the inclusion the assimilation of a territory within by adoption of my amendment later on of a fair and balanced Commonwealth the Union of States, and language dif- this afternoon. option, which this bill lacks. Today, ferences are the number one barrier to Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance and I repeat, today in Puerto Rico a actual assimilation. The bill before us of my time. new poll was released that shows that today contains the most vacuous state- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I 65 percent of the people of Puerto Rico ment of language policy that I have rise as the designee of the gentleman reject this bill. ever seen. from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ), and I Mr. Chairman, it is an outrage to the democratic process that the definition b 1245 yield myself such time as I may con- sume. for Commonwealth status was written How will the average citizen of Puer- Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express by the very party that opposes it. It is to Rico understand what this means if my strenuous opposition to H.R. 856, like allowing Republicans to decide we cannot even understand what it the United States-Puerto Rico Politi- who could appear on a Democratic bal- means ourselves? And I would ask cal Status Act. Mr. Chairman, I think lot. every Member back in their offices to that we can all agree that the people of Five years ago, the people of Puerto pick up the bill and read it. In this re- Puerto Rico must be given the right to Rico held a plebiscite on this issue and gard, the bill’s language regarding self-determination. Unfortunately, chose to maintain their current status. English is weak, it is inadequate, and H.R. 856 does not accomplish this. This is a situation that the losers in must be clarified for the benefit of the This bill is the product of a flawed that contest do not seem willing to ac- people of the island of Puerto Rico be- legislative process that was designed to cept. Yet the outcome was an impor- cause they need to know what they are produce a very specific result. It was tant one. It reaffirmed the permanent getting into. written without consulting all the par- United States citizenship of the people My fellow colleagues, it was Winston ties that have a very real interest in of Puerto Rico that is guaranteed Churchill who stated that the gift of its outcome. under the Constitution. It acknowl- common language is a priceless inher- Proponents of H.R. 856 will try to say edged the bilateral nature of the U.S.- itance and, Members, not explicitly that this is a bill about self-determina- Puerto Rico relationship. It confirmed stating what role Puerto Rico’s inher- tion. They are misleading their col- the autonomous status of Puerto Rico, ited Spanish language and our common leagues. Instead, H.R. 856 is a one-sided which can only be changed by mutual tongue, English, would play in a State bill that is biased in favor of Puerto consent. of Puerto Rico, I believe, would be a The supporters of H.R. 856 are reject- Rican statehood. It was written by the grave mistake for everyone. ing each and every one of these argu- party that supports statehood in a way To rectify this I intend to, later in ments when they say that citizenship that promotes statehood without con- the debate, offer an amendment regard- can only be protected under statehood. sulting all the participants in this ing the role of the English language, Puerto Ricans are American citizens very, very sensitive process. which I believe very clearly explains and we are proud to be American citi- Under H.R. 856, Puerto Ricans will be this issue to both the American people zens. We do not need a plebiscite to given the choice between statehood, and to the people of Puerto Rico. prove that we are Americans any more Commonwealth status or separate sov- Now, some of my friends are going to than the people of Massachusetts or ereignty, yet the Commonwealth op- argue that I have specifically selected Virginia do. the statehood option for the bulk of my tion does not even guarantee citizen- This bill is not the result of a demo- criticism with this bill and that it is ship. Why was citizenship not statu- cratic process. It does not define all the merely a process bill which includes tory back in 1990 when this House choices to the satisfaction of the very that as an option. Let me make some- voted for this bill? I do not understand people who will participate in this thing perfectly clear. For my constitu- what happened since 1990. plebiscite. By defeating this bill we ents in upstate New York, who are The authors of this legislation have will be sending a message that we truly wedged between Canada and New York said that our citizenship is statutory. honor the idea of self-definition for the City, between Quebec and New York Simply put, this means that our citi- people of Puerto Rico. City, the statehood option for Puerto zenship can be taken away. Tell that to Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues Rico is the choice with the most far- the widows of men who fought and died to not be fooled by the arguments of reaching and permanent consequences. in foreign wars so that citizenship of the other side. A vote for H.R. 856 is a It is a permanent relationship that re- all Americans will be guaranteed. Mr. vote for statehood, not a vote for self- quires assimilation, and that choice Chairman, tell that to my uncle, who determination. needs to be decided by an overwhelm- fought valiantly in Korea for my col- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance ing majority of the citizens of Puerto leagues and for me and for all Ameri- of my time. Rico before my constituents and before cans everywhere. Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chair- my colleagues’ constituents will agree Furthermore, if the people of Puerto man, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- to let them join the Union. Rico were to choose Commonwealth tleman from Florida (Mr. MCCOLLUM). It must be clear to our good friends status, the bill will require further (Mr. MCCOLLUM asked and was in Puerto Rico that if they choose plebiscites until either statehood or given permission to revise and extend statehood, it is still within Congress’ separate sovereignty wins. This double his remarks.) powers as representatives of this coun- standard applied to Commonwealth Mr. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, we try to say no. Statehood may be an op- shows how the deck is stacked in favor have embarked on one of the more sig- tion at some point in the future, but of statehood. Under those conditions, nificant debates this Congress will the American people are going to have not even the most forceful defender of have in this 2-year period, maybe one to examine that situation at that time, Commonwealth status will vote for it. of the more significant debates that we and that time is today. We cannot Many people forget that the original can have because we are trying to find force a decision on the citizens of Puer- version of this bill did not even include a way to resolve concerns we all have to Rico and the citizens of Puerto Rico a Commonwealth option. The party about a part of the United States. cannot force the United States to ac- that supports Commonwealth status Make no mistake about it, Puerto Rico cept a decision. had no input in the drafting of H.R. 856 is part of the United States. The Puerto Rican people deserve to and has been repeatedly shut out of the In my State of Florida, which is right know exactly what they are voting on process. Amazingly, the president of next door, it is a neighbor, it is a very H778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 friendly neighbor, the people of Puerto resolution today to give the Puerto Puerto Rico to hold a referendum to Rico are citizens of the United States. Rican people that opportunity. determine Puerto Rico’s political fu- There are no Customs checks or bound- I would like to make a couple of com- ture and prescribes the wording of the aries between our country and theirs or ments, too, about who has supported ballot to be submitted to the voters. my State and Puerto Rico. this in the past. We have heard people Under the Act, the voters of Puerto Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth. It is debate, what did Ronald Reagan or Rico purportedly may choose to main- a funny kind of status to most of us be- George Bush say about it? Well, when tain the current Commonwealth sta- cause we do not think of it in that way the Puerto Rican statehood plebiscite tus, to become a State, or to become an very often, at least I do not. I know was being discussed in November 1993, independent Nation. The ballot lan- that anybody who lives in Puerto Rico Ronald Reagan said, guage mandated by the Act, however, can come live at my State or Texas or My friends, as you consider whether or not severely mischaracterizes and Minnesota or New York, anywhere, any you wish to continue being a part of the denigates Puerto Rico’s current time they want to. That is fine. United States, I want you to know one thing, Commonwealth status. Travel is free. People talk to each the United States will welcome you with b 1300 other all the time. There is a common open arms. bond that is there. And I think it is im- We’ve always been a land of varied cultural The ballot language mandated by the backgrounds and origins, and we believe act, however, severely mischarac- portant for us as we debate this bill firmly that our strength is our diversity. today to recognize the depth of this re- There is much Puerto Rico can contribute terizes and denigrates Puerto Rico’s lationship and the importance of it and to our Nation, which is why I personally current commonwealth status. These the tenderness of it. favor statehood. We hope you will join us. repeated misstatements clearly appear The people of Puerto Rico have sac- Thank you and God bless you. to be designed to ensure that the state- rificed many times over for the United So I think that it is important that hood option prevails. Any doubt on this States. Many men have given their we understand that the history has vanishes when the act’s prescribed bal- lives in the service of this country been of this Nation that many, many, lot is read in conjunction with other from Puerto Rico over the years. We many people have urged statehood on provisions of the act. have been partners for years and years Puerto Rico in the past. But, again, For instance, the act calls for a ref- and years. that is not the purpose of the plebi- erendum every 10 years until the state- I believe it is very, very important scite. It is for the people of Puerto Rico hood option prevails. And the legisla- that we give the people of Puerto Rico, to decide that. tive history, the committee report is as this bill does, an opportunity to de- We are also going to hear the ques- openly hostile to the current common- termine what they wish us to consider tion about English being discussed out wealth status. Thus, a referendum in this Congress in the coming years here. The gentleman from New York using the prescribed ballot would deny regarding their future status. (Mr. SOLOMON), a moment ago, was dis- the people of Puerto Rico an informed It is not, as has been said before, that cussing that question. and accurate choice concerning their this legislation would determine I favor English as the official lan- future political status and would reveal whether or not Puerto Rico were to be guage of the United States. I have been nothing about the true sentiments of a State or not. It is to give to the peo- a cosponsor of bills to do that for a the people of Puerto Rico on this im- ple of Puerto Rico a plebiscite, a vote, long time. All 50 States, and if we get portant question. an opportunity to say yes to statehood, a 51st State, the 51st State, too, should The most serious misstatements con- we would like you to consider that, abide by that. That should be our offi- tained in the act relate to its treat- Congress, or, no, we would rather stay cial language. We should put it in the ment of the rights enjoyed by the peo- in the Commonwealth status, or pos- statute of the books of this country to ple of Puerto Rico under common- sibly we would rather be independent. say that. But to attach it to this bill wealth status. The ballot contained in If this is not resolved in favor of sends the wrong signal. H.R. 856 states that Congress may de- statehood or independence now, it pro- We are interested in seeing Puerto termine the rights under the United vides a vehicle for there to be future Rico treated as everybody else. If we States Constitution that are guaran- opportunities for the people of Puerto actually have an official language stat- teed to the people of Puerto Rico. This Rico to speak out on this issue and to ute ever become law, and I hope it statement is wrong. debate all of those things that have does, it should apply to all of the terri- The act’s description of the citizen- been discussed today that need to be tories, the Commonwealths, the posses- ship rights of the people of Puerto Rico debated. There needs to be that kind of sions of the United States. It should be is similarly flawed. The act states that debate. That is what it is all about. known that English is the official lan- Puerto Ricans are merely statutory Yes, if Puerto Rico becomes a State, guage of the United States. But I do citizens and implies that their citizen- there will be expectations on both not believe it should be adopted on this ship may be revoked by Congress. The sides. We need to have a further airing bill today. people of Puerto Rico, however, right of that. That is what the plebiscite de- I would urge the support for the sub- now are United States citizens within bate in Puerto Rico would be all about. stitute amendment that I am helping the meaning of the 14th Amendment of Certainly assimilation in that broad cosponsor later on. the United States Constitution. sense of the word has always been part The CHAIRMAN. Who rises as the The ballot language mandated by of the American tradition. But we as- designee for the gentleman of Califor- H.R. 856 also mischaracterizes Puerto similate immigrants into this country, nia (Mr. MILLER)? Rico’s current political status. The act and Puerto Ricans are not immigrants. Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . I do, Mr. describes Puerto Rico as an unincor- They are citizens. But we assimilate Chairman. porated territory of the United States. immigrants into this country, and, ul- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, we Beyond the pejorative connotations as- timately, make them citizens every have a Member that has to get back to sociated with this term, which was year, every day. We have done it since a hearing, so I would take him out of used to describe the United States’ co- the beginning of the nations history. order. lonial possessions, this description is We should not be concerned about Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to inappropriate because the United the challenges involved in it. I do not the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. States Supreme Court has held that think either side should be concerned. GOODLATTE.) Puerto Rico, like a State, is an autono- But we should be open about it. We (Mr. GOODLATTE asked and was mous political entity sovereign over should discuss it, and we should have a given permission to revise and extend matters not ruled by the Constitution. fair debate about it. But above all else, his remarks.) But these falsehoods are to be right on we need to be sure that the people of Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I the ballot, mischaracterizing the com- Puerto Rico get the chance to have rise in strong opposition to H.R. 856 be- monwealth’s status, when Puerto that debate first. cause I have serious reservations about Ricans vote. So I urge my colleagues in the the constitutionality of this legislation The purpose of the proposed referen- strongest sort of way to vote for this which authorizes the Commonwealth of dum is to learn the sentiments of the March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H779 people of Puerto Rico. In light of the ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I fundamental inaccuracies, any referen- The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will yield myself such time as I may con- dum using the prescribed ballot could suspend. sume. Let me explain to the gentleman not be relied upon as an honest reflec- The Chair will admonish those in the from Rhode Island (Mr. KENNEDY) why tion of the sentiments of the people of gallery and remind all persons that we are deciding this bill. We are decid- Puerto Rico. Accordingly, the act as they are here as guests of the House, ing this bill because, unlike the de- currently formulated necessarily fails and that any manifestation of approval scription that the gentleman from to accomplish its very purpose. or disapproval of any of the proceed- Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ ) has Equally important, these fundamen- ings is a violation of the rules of the given, we did not welcome the United tal inaccuracies in the ballot’s descrip- House and will not be permitted. States to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico was tion of the commonwealth status op- The gentleman may proceed. invaded by the United States during tion effectively deny the people of Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. the Spanish-American Civil War. Puerto Rico their constitutional right Chairman, the fact is that if everyone Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. No to exercise the franchise in a meaning- is so insulted by this process, I hear argument there. No argument there. ful way. As the proponents of Puerto the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Mr. GUTIERREZ. Let us be clear. Rican statehood well understand, the VELA´ ZQUEZ) and the gentleman from Il- The gentleman is right. We are making the decisions because that is what is commonwealth option described in the linois (Mr. GUTIERREZ) say, ‘‘I don’t happening. ballot will attract no significant sup- like this process because they shut out Mr. Chairman, I rise to strongly op- port among Puerto Rico’s voters, in- a political party in Puerto Rico.’’ Let us understand what they are shutting pose H.R. 856 because this is the exact cluding voters who are otherwise ar- opposite of what its supporters pretend dent advocates of continuing Puerto out, although it is not the case, I will argue. it to be. H.R. 856 is supposed to be a bill Rico’s commonwealth status. for self-determination, not for state- Thus, the referendum contained in But let us just assume that we are shutting out the PDP, the Populares in hood, which my friend from Rhode Is- the act infringes on the voting rights land has every ability, he is for state- of the people of Puerto Rico by pre- Puerto Rico. What do they want? They want the commonwealth status. What hood. That is what he wants. If I were senting them with a factually inac- for statehood and I was willing to gam- curate choice, a false choice as to their is the commonwealth status? It is colo- nial status. It is saying that this Con- ble everything for statehood, I would political future status. In short, H.R. be for this bill because this is a guaran- 856 presents the people of Puerto Rico gress can decide unilaterally, without Puerto Rico’s opinion or approval, tee that statehood is going to win the with a ballot that is stacked in favor of plebiscite. I can understand that. Let the statehood option. From the very what we want Puerto Rico to do. End of story, I say to the gentleman from us be clear. start, the election is rigged. The ballot Now I want to be clear about my po- language mandated by the act is de- New York (Mr. SOLOMON). So when you talk about how we are sition, also, Mr. Chairman. I am for signed to ensure this result regardless being unfair, think about it. We are independence for Puerto Rico. I am for of the true sentiments of the people of being unfair because we do not like independence for Puerto Rico. There Puerto Rico. commonwealth. You bet I do not like was a time that the statehooders and Such a palpably deficient ballot commonwealth. I do not like the fact the commonwealthers and the whole raises serious constitutional issues. system would jail people like me for that 3.8 million people are Moreover, as a matter of policy, it cer- being for independence for Puerto Rico. disenfranchised, 3.8 million United tainty cannot be justified as an effort That is why there are not more people States citizens who fought in our wars, to give Puerto Ricans meaningful self- for the independence of Puerto Rico. As who died in our wars are not even al- determination. Mr. Chairman, I oppose they jailed the people of your former lowed to vote for their Commander in this legislation and I ask others to do fatherland, Ireland, for wishing the Chief. Can you imagine? independence and the sovereignty of so as well. This country was founded, at the Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- that nation. Boston tea party we declared our Revo- I would suggest to everybody what man, I yield myself 30 seconds to re- lutionary War, because we did not have spond to the gentleman’s comments. I we can oppose, and it is wrong. Sup- representation here. That is what they porters of this bill have approached my want everybody to understand one do not have. Puerto Ricans cannot de- thing. As chairman of this committee, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, cide this bill. The gentleman from Mr. Chairman, and told them that the we did this job right. ´ Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO) has passage of this bill only means that The gentleman talks about constitu- no vote. He represents 3.8 million tionality. He does not know the Con- Congress authorizes the people of Puer- United States citizens. This is a bill to Rico to express their preference for stitution from something else. We sent that affects them, and they have no this down to the Justice Department. political status among 3 options. vote. What is that, other than colonial- Some supporters of the bill have They reviewed it with the best con- ism? played a very cynical game of telling stitutional lawyers. Everything in this This bill will give them statehood if some of my Democrats, ‘‘Vote for this bill is constitutional. I did this job cor- they vote for it. Let us say they do not bill, and you will have 6 new Demo- rectly as chairman. To have someone want to vote for statehood now, they cratic Members of the House and 2 new say it is not constitutional or allude it still like this quasi-colonial status. We Democratic Senators. That is why we is unconstitutional when it has been give them an opportunity, because in should vote for the bill.’’ That is being thoroughly scrubbed by those that the final analysis, it has to be the and that should be said here, because know the Constitution, I think is inap- United States. that is part of the debate and the con- propriate. I think it is so insulting that I have versation, and we should fully explain ´ Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Chair- to be up here deciding on something to the people of Puerto Rico how it is man, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- that the people of Puerto Rico should that this Congress is arriving at a deci- tleman from Rhode Island (Mr. KEN- be able to decide with or without my sion to make their self-determination. NEDY). approval, with or without the approval At the same time, some of the very Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. of the gentleman from New York (Mr. same people have circulated a memo- Chairman, let me just underscore this. SOLOMON), with or without the ap- randum full of very strange statistics. Let us go over it and over it and over proval of the gentleman from Alaska Mr. Chairman, beware of strange num- it again. If Members do not like the (Mr. YOUNG). We represent other bers for they could be telling stranger language of this bill, if they do not like States. Why should we have any say in lies. It is a memorandum entitled the definition of commonwealth in this the matter with respect to Puerto ‘‘Puerto Rico, Republican Territory,’’ bill, they do not like commonwealth. If Rico? We were not elected by the Puer- in which some magician tries to con- Members find that the language that to Ricans. They deserve their own rep- vince the uninformed that Puerto Rico we use to describe commonwealth is re- resentation. If we vote for this bill, will produce 6 Republican Congressmen pugnant—— they will get their own representation. and 2 Republican Senators. H780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 It sounds strange to me. The gentle- important that we understand what is jected to time and time again. I will re- woman from New York (Ms. going on here. spect the wishes of those who wish to VELA´ ZQUEZ), a Puerto Rican; the gen- Look, there is a value I hold even speak to this issue that have respected tleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ), dearer than my wish for the independ- the wishes of the people of Puerto Rico of Puerto Rican descent; the gentleman ence of Puerto Rico, and that is the re- and all Members of this House, but do from New York (Mr. SERRANO); and spect that I have for the true aspira- not expect treatment from me which even the Resident Commissioner has tions of the Puerto Rican people. That others have disregarded for others. decided to sit on our side of the aisle, is their inalienable right of the people Once the people of Puerto Rico vote the main proponent of this bill, and he of Puerto Rico to their self-determina- for statehood under this rather unfair is in the Democratic Caucus. Let us tion. game plan, the Commonwealth Party not play games with one side or the That is precisely why I oppose this has said it cannot participate in the other getting some advantage over bill so strongly. H.R. 856 is exactly the plebiscite. That is going to be a prob- this, because that is not respectful. Mr. opposite. It is a bill, read it, it is a bill lem. You have got about 48 percent of Chairman, this is a strange manner in that is cleverly designed to obtain an the people who say if you do it this which to conduct a serious debate on artificial majority for statehood for way, we are not going to participate in the future of a whole people. Puerto Rico and to lead Congress down this thing. Self-determination is a serious mat- an irreversible path, first through the Now, I am going to make one last ter. The sacred right of self-determina- incorporation of Puerto Rico, and then statement and then reserve the balance tion has to be exercised in a totally to the admission of Puerto Rico as the of my time. Look, this is serious. This democratic, open and above-board fash- 51st State of this great union. In fact, is serious. If you approve this Young ion. The true sovereignty of any na- some opponents of H.R. 856 call this a bill, do you know what you have said? tion, and Puerto Rico is indeed a na- trap. You have said that 3.8 million Puerto tion, rests with its people. I think that Now, Congress makes an offer of Ricans do not have the protection of the Members of this Congress should statehood to the people of Puerto Rico. the 14th Amendment of the Constitu- understand what the people of Puerto The only requirement, the only re- tion of the United States. You have Rico believe, because this is something quirement, is that a simple majority said that their American citizenship is that is going to affect them. vote in favor of statehood. But the bal- not guaranteed. They did a poll in Puerto Rico, El lot is so stacked in favor of statehood I will tell you what people will say. Nuevo Dia, that is The New Day, the that I am going to read a quote, and, They will never take it away. This largest paper of circulation in Puerto please, listen to this quote: Congress would never take an action. Rico; by the way, owned by a The Resident Commissioner, CARLOS Do you know something? My dad did statehooder. They asked the people. On ROMERO-BARCELO´ , said, ‘‘Victory for not get to see me until I was a year the nationality question, 65 percent of statehood is guaranteed because the old, I would say to the gentleman from the people see themselves as Puerto definition of ‘‘commonwealth’’ does not New York (Mr. SOLOMON), because Rican and not American, 65 percent of include fiscal autonomy and does not when he was called to duty, he served. the people in Puerto Rico; 62 percent of include U.S. citizenship, a guarantee. He served, Mr. Chairman. the people consider their Nation to be The definition of Commonwealth in How can we say that my dad and tens Puerto Rico and not the United States. this bill is that of a territory. We just of thousands of other Puerto Ricans But at the same time, 75 percent con- left the word ‘‘territory’’ out.’’ Quote- who have served this Nation, right, sider their American citizenship to be end quote of the Resident Commis- that their citizenship is statutory, can very important. Strange, you say, that sioner of Puerto Rico here. be taken away from them at a whim of sounds like a contradiction. It is the So I am not saying this bill is Congress? I do not believe that. contradiction of colonialism, obvi- stacked in favor of statehood; the very As a matter of fact, in the 1950 Na- ously. But it is also what the authors proponent, the Resident Commissioner tionality Act, this Congress approved of this understand very well. On the of Puerto Rico, has stated this pub- something that says the 50 states and one hand, they tell you, Puerto Rico is licly, and that is wrong, to play poli- Puerto Rico, anyone born there, is pro- not a nation, it is just a group of peo- tics, partisan politics. tected by the 14th Amendment and are ple. It is this little tropical island that Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the citizens of this country. That is what sits out there somewhere in the Carib- gentleman from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG), the 1950 Nationality Act says. bean. and I want to thank the gentleman So do not come back here and say But let me tell everybody in this from California (Mr. MILLER), because that commonwealth is statutory citi- room, the people of Puerto Rico which both gentlemen have been decent with zenship, because, you know something? you are deciding today their options, me. When I asked to participate in I want Puerto Rico to be a free and consider themselves as a Nation. They their hearings, they both know that independent nation, and in that I dis- consider to have a nationality, that na- they had to override objections of cer- agree with my colleague, the gen- tionality being Puerto Rican. You tain Members to allow me to partici- tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- should understand that. You should un- pate in their committee, but they did. BARCELO´ ). The gentleman wants it to derstand that very, very clearly. The gentleman from California (Mr. be assimilated and a state, but I think At the same time they want to keep MILLER) and the gentleman from Alas- it is important, it is important, that their American citizenship. I think ka (Mr. YOUNG) have always listened to the people of Puerto Rico have the defi- that that is very clear. Just March 4, me, have always come and said, ‘‘Luis, nitions that they can have. they asked the people of Puerto Rico what do you think? Let us talk about Lastly, in 1993, when the Resident what they think about the Young bill. this.’’ Commissioner’s party was in power in They asked the people of Puerto Rico. I know that the gentleman from Cali- Puerto Rico, the Statehood Party, they They said 35 percent reject the Young fornia (Mr. MILLER) tried to fix this. I controlled the two houses, the House bill, 33 percent support the Young bill, know he did. He did make every at- and the Senate, and they controlled and another third do not have an opin- tempt to fix this, and I know that he the governorship. They had a plebiscite ion on the Young bill. It says if Puerto went to everybody and tried to bring in Puerto Rico. Ricans within the great diaspora of people together. He testified so yester- Why, when they controlled all the Puerto Rico, that is Puerto Ricans in day, and I know it to be a fact. Unfor- rules in Puerto Rico, was the Common- the United States, do not get to vote tunately, it was not able to be done. It wealth status not not a territory? Why on this, over half of them say we was not able to be done. This has to be was not the citizenship not statutory should reject the Young bill. a process of consensus, of building peo- when that came up? ple together. Why is it? As a matter of fact, in 1990 b 1315 Mr. Chairman, do you know some- we unanimously accepted some defini- That is the people of Puerto Rico. thing? That is why I did not yield, be- tions here, 1990, and none of these con- But let me go further, Mr. Chairman, cause when I asked for the opportunity siderations. Do you want to know why? because I think it is very, very, very to speak about this issue, I was ob- Because they want to stack the cards. March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H781 If the people of Puerto Rico want ica and love their heritage. Instead of tleman for entering that into the statehood, I will be the first one to enforcing political rights, this amend- RECORD. come here and support statehood for ment would undermine them by weak- Mr. Chairman, I stand in strong sup- Puerto Rico, but it has got to be a fair ening the Voting Rights Act and end- port of H.R. 856 and urge my colleagues process. People can laugh and people ing bilingual access. Instead of expand- to vote for this very important legisla- can chide, because they do not under- ing access to government, the Solomon tion. I applaud the work of the gen- stand the seriousness of this matter. amendment chills communications be- tleman from Alaska (Chairman This is about the 14th Amendment. tween Members of Congress and con- YOUNG), the gentleman from California This is about my dad, this is about my stituents. It imposes unique require- (Mr. MILLER), and my fellow statutory wife, Soraida, born in Moca, Puerto ments on the people of Puerto Rico citizen, the gentleman from Puerto Rico; and I do not intend to go back to that Congress has not imposed on citi- Rico (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ ). her tomorrow and say her citizenship is zens of any other State of the United H.R. 856 is significant because it es- any less than mine. She was born a cit- States. tablishes Federal responsibility in a izen of this country, and I am going to Mr. Chairman, I urge the Members to process of self-determination for the protect her right. It is not statutory, it support the bipartisan substitute that people of Puerto Rico that would lead is protected. is being put forward by the leadership to decolonization. The Treaty of Paris, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of this committee. It recognizes that it which ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to of my time. is in the best interests of our Nation the U.S. in 1898, clearly gave the re- Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- and our citizens to promote the teach- sponsibility to this body for determin- man, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- ing of English, and it sets the goal of ing the political status of the inhab- tleman from Missouri (Mr. GEPHARDT), enabling students to achieve English itants of these territories. Until this the minority leader. language proficiency by the age of 10. body does this, these areas will con- (Mr. GEPHARDT asked and was It does not threaten free and open tinue to remain colonies, 100 years given permission to revise and extend speech and communication of public since the end of the Spanish-American his remarks.) safety, and it does not single out the War. Until we do this, there will not be Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Chairman, people of Puerto Rico for unique, ex- clarity in the ultimate political status there is no right more fundamental to traordinary requirements that we ask of these unincorporated territories. of no other State in the United States our democracy than the right of people b to decide their political future. Amer- of America. 1330 ican democracy was conceived in the Finally, it is time to get on with the The bill before us clearly states that great struggle of the Revolutionary business at hand. It is time to extend the Federal Government has the re- War, and it originated out of a fight for the same rights to the people of Puerto sponsibility to act within a specific self-determination by the American Rico that billions of other people time frame and in unequivocal terms colonists to be able to control their around the world take for granted. so that the process itself does not lead own affairs. Puerto Rico has been a member of our to more frustration and uncertainty. We have long asserted this right, not American family for over 100 years. The Federal responsibility must be only for Americans, but for people all The people of Puerto Rico have waited consistent with a modern 21st century over the world. We have insisted that long enough to finally decide their own understanding of decolonization, and it this is a universal human right that destiny. More than a half decade ago must lead to a process which forces ex- every human being should enjoy. So Franklin Roosevelt said this to Con- peditious action. certainly it should and must be a fun- gress. He said, ‘‘Freedom means the su- Today, 100 years after the Spanish- damental right for people living under premacy of human rights everywhere.’’ American War, the U.S. Congress has the American flag as American citi- Our support, he said, goes to those who the unique opportunity and the moral zens. Yet almost 4 million American struggle to gain those rights or keep obligation to resolve Puerto Rico’s citizens, the people of Puerto Rico, them. quest for a clear political status for its Mr. Chairman, we have a magnificent have not enjoyed this right. citizens. It is the right thing to do. We have the opportunity to ensure opportunity today, a bipartisan oppor- Mr. Chairman, if Members support tunity, an opportunity to extend the today that American citizens who have democracy and the principle of fair- magic and the blessing of freedom and sacrificed their loved ones in our wars, ness, I urge Members to vote for 856. It human rights and self-determination to who serve our country in and out of is the right thing to do for the citizens the almost 4 million citizens of the uniform, and who obey our laws, should of the Caribbean island, to demonstrate United States, the people of Puerto have a say in their political future. The that this country is second to none in Rico. Vote against the Solomon people of Puerto Rico deserve an oppor- the exercise of self-determination, that amendment, vote for the bipartisan tunity to vote on their future political we are second to none in honoring our substitute, and vote for this legislation status, and this bill simply gives them treaty obligations, and that we are sec- for the meaning of America to be that opportunity. The choice should be ond to none in the full implementation brought to the people of Puerto Rico. of democracy. theirs, and this Congress should re- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- spect that outcome. Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- man, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- This is a simple issue of basic human man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- tleman from Guam (Mr. UNDERWOOD). rights. The bill should easily become Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER). law. But today there are many in this man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chairman, I thank Congress who want to hold this legisla- from Guam. the gentleman from Puerto Rico for tion hostage to an extreme agenda. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman yielding time to me. The Solomon English-only legisla- from Guam (Mr. UNDERWOOD) is recog- I rise in strong support of this legis- tion, which House Republicans pushed lation. I rise in strong support for the nized for 21⁄2 minutes. through 2 years ago, but which died in Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- substitute that will be put forth to the the Senate and which has laid dormant man, will the gentleman yield? Solomon amendment, and in opposition ever since, would impose English-only Mr. UNDERWOOD. I yield to the gen- to the Solomon amendment. restrictions that are unnecessary and tleman from Alaska. Since 1985 I have served on the Hel- divisive. While immigrants from all Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- sinki Commission, which was charged ethnic groups understand the impor- man, I would like to apologize to the since 1976 to oversee the implementa- tance and the necessity of learning gentleman. In my passionate plea for tion of the Helsinki Final Act. Within English, the Solomon amendment does Puerto Rico, I forgot the great Terri- that act it said that the international nothing to make this happen any tory of Guam. We are working very community ought to respect the self- quicker or easier. close together. It slipped my mind. So determination of peoples. The fact that some have raised this I do apologize to the gentleman. It is one of the most troubling issues issue today is a slap in the face to the Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, re- that confronts the international com- people of Puerto Rico, who love Amer- claiming my time, I thank the gen- munity and the emerging democracies H782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 around the world. It is difficult because the Solomon amendment of English them to our language, you could make we need to determine what group, what only. We all recognize that English is 2 million words that would be part of size, how many do you need for self-de- the common language of our country. the English language, compared to termination. Does it need to be an It is the dominant language of our other languages, like German, that has identifiable, geographic area? If so, country. But who was it that decided about 184,000, and French, that has how large? It is an issue that we deal that to be an American you had to about 100,000 words. with in Yugoslavia. speak the language of the British Isles? For those fear-mongers who think we Always, always, always the United I am not sure that makes sense. need some kind of amendment on this States is on the side of those who as- We were a country founded on toler- bill to help us promote English, pire to make their own decisions. On ance, multiculturalism. It seems to me English is already the official language this floor we have heard some very ar- we can make room for those people of the world. We do not need an amend- ticulate expressions on both sides of who speak other languages. We left the ment to tell us that. It is going to con- this issue, from people who know the Old World to create the New World for tinue to be the official language of the politics of Puerto Rico far more than I. precisely this reason, to leave the world. We should support H.R. 856, and But I know that those articulate peo- conformities and traditions of the Old all proudly, because of what it stands ple will debate this issue vigorously, World behind. I think it is time we for, and not be fear-mongering about and it will be the people of Puerto Rico move forward to true multiculturalism what it might do to the great language who make this decision, as it should and accept the fact that we do not have of English that is used worldwide. be. But it is important that this Con- to have an ordered language in our so- I say to my friends, let us stop the gress express at home, within our own ciety. I urge the adoption of the bill be- demagoguing, let us stop the fear- Nation, that same conviction on behalf fore us. mongering that we have injected into of self-determination that we express Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- this debate. Lighten up and support around the world. man, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- H.R. 856. I would hope that we would over- tleman from Texas (Mr. BONILLA). Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- whelmingly, in a bipartisan way, pass (Mr. BONILLA asked and was given man, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- this legislation. I want to commend the permission to revise and extend his re- tleman from Florida (Mr. DEUTSCH). gentleman from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) marks.) Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I for his leadership on this issue, and the Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, the de- thank the gentleman for yielding time gentleman from California (Mr. MIL- bate we are hearing today reminds me to me. LER), and indeed, the delegate from of the demagoguing we heard back Mr. Chairman, this is truly a historic Puerto Rico, and all of those who par- when the new majority took over in debate in this Congress. This is my ticipate in this debate. January of 1995. We tried to do some sixth year as a Member of this Con- Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- things that were right for the country, gress. It is the first time we are really man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- and we were demagogued as those who talking about an issue about the fun- tleman from Maryland (Mr. WYNN). were trying to end the school lunch damental union of our States. That is Mr. WYNN. Mr. Chairman, I thank program, as those who were trying to really what we are talking about. the gentleman from Puerto Rico for eliminate Medicare, and as those who In this Chamber over the last 100 yielding me this time. were trying to hurt the environment. years, and before that in the other Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the We all knew that was not true, but yet Chamber just down the hall for 100 bill before us today. I rise in opposition the demagoguing continued. years before that, or just about, this is to the Solomon amendment. I rise in The demagoguing continues today by the kind of debates that went on. Un- support of the bipartisan substitute. those who are opposed to this bill, who less it was one of the first original 13 Mr. Chairman, the essence of the bill say that it is going to somehow create colonies, each State went through a before us today is to allow the people a State, a new State, instantly. That is process. There were different debates of Puerto Rico to make the decisions false. That is demagoguing. and different things that went through about their own destiny, what we like There is also demagoguing about how that process. But that is where we are to refer to as self-determination. this bill might be promoting bilingual- now. For the last few decades we have ism. That is not true at all, but none- I think part of the acknowledgment talked long and often hard about the theless the arguments continue. They of this bill is something that obviously importance of self-determination in all say this is anti-Commonwealth. That is is controversial, but I think the fact, parts of the world: in Russia, in Cuba, also not true. The demagogues know it and people can debate it, is that the around the globe. It is now time to talk but they continue to make these argu- status of Commonwealth is an unstable about self-determination for one of our ments, in spite of the truth and sub- equilibrium. In a sense, the bill ac- nearest neighbors. stance of what we are trying to accom- knowledges that. It can continue, but This is not that complicated. That is plish here today. it cannot continue indefinitely. The the beauty of democratic elections. For those who think somehow that process of the legislation specifically Members have heard here today that this is going to end the official lan- puts that into statute, and that is why there are lots of points of view about guage of the world, it is also a case of it is critical that this legislation pass. this issue within Puerto Rico. Those demagoguing. English is the official I would mention that the amendment differences can be resolved by demo- language of the world. One hundred by the gentleman from New York (Mr. cratic elections. That is what we are fifty seven of 168 airlines have English SOLOMON), I think we should acknowl- here today to do, not to impose any as their official language. There are edge what the amendment offered by particular form of government, be it 3,000 newspapers printed in English in the gentleman from New York (Mr. statehood, independence, or Common- the country of India. Six members of SOLOMON) attempts to do. We need to wealth status, but rather, to let the the European Free Trade Association be direct about this. people, the people themselves decide all conduct their business in English, This amendment is really not ger- what form of government they believe despite the fact that none of the six mane to this bill. It is an issue that in is most desirable. members are from English-speaking and of itself can be discussed and de- The point is that today Puerto nations. Three hundred thousand Chi- bated, but to turn English into the offi- Ricans can fight in our wars but cannot nese speak English in their own coun- cial language of the United States is elect the Commander in Chief. They try. Forty-four countries have English not about this bill. It does not deserve can contribute to Social Security, and as their official language. to be on this bill, and it is inappropri- they do, but they cannot receive Social The size of the English language, the ately on this bill. I think we have to Security benefits. We need to change number of words in the English lan- understand the reason it is on this bill this, and we need to use our time-hon- guage, is about 1 million. If we count is to kill the bill. ored democratic processes to do that. the insects, and entomologists say However anyone in this Chamber Mr. Chairman, let me talk for a mo- there are a million known insects that feels about that particular issue, and I ment about this notion embodied in could also become words, if we added know it is a passionate issue, I urge the March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H783 defeat of the Solomon amendment and That ``have it both ways'' approach to free Under either independence or free associa- the support of the substitute offered by association was attempted in the case of the tion, the U.S. and Puerto Rico could enter the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Micronesian Compact of Free Association, but into treaties to define relations on a sov- ereign-to-sovereign basis. Free association YOUNG) and the gentleman from Cali- the State Department, Justice Department and as practiced by the U.S. is simply a form of fornia (Mr. MILLER) and others to as- Congress rejected that model as unconstitu- independence in which two sovereign nations sure that this historic opportunity is tional and unwise. It was an attempt to ``per- agree to a special close relationship that in- taken advantage of. fect'' the legal theory of the Puerto Rican com- volves delegations of the sovereign powers of Mr. Chairman, H.R. 856 will enable Con- monwealth as a form of permanent self-gov- the associated to the United States in such gress to administer and determine the status ernment, a nation-within-a-nation concept that areas as defense and other governmental of Puerto Rico in the same manner this institu- has always failed and always will because the functions to the extent both parties to the tion has been administering and decolonizing treaty-based relationship agree to continue U.S. constitution does not allow a Quebec-like such arrangements. territories since the Northwest Ordinance of problem in our Federal system. The specific features of free association 1789. The historical constitutional practice of Ambassador Zeder's explanation of free as- and balance between autonomy and inter- the United States has been to decolonize non- sociation as an option for Puerto Rico makes dependence can vary within well-defined lim- state territories which come under U.S. sov- the ground rules for this form of separate sov- its based on negotiated terms to which both ereignty by either full incorporation leading to ereignty very clear and easy to understand. I parties to the arrangement have agreed, but statehood (as in the case of Alaska and Ha- include his statement for the RECORD. all such features must be consistent with the waii) or separate nationhood (Philippines). The statement referred to is as follows: structure of the agreement as a treaty-based sovereign-to-sovereign relationship. In U.S. For too long Puerto Rico has been diverted UNDERSTANDING FREE ASSOCIATION AS A FORM experience and practice, even where free as- OF SEPARATE SOVEREIGNTY AND POLITICAL from the historical process of decolonization. sociation has many features of a dependent INDEPENDENCE IN THE CASE OF Because local self-government was estab- territorial status the sources and allocation DECOLONIZATION OF PUERTO RICO lished under P.L. 81±600 in 1952, Congress of constitutional authority triggered by the has pretended that Puerto Rico could be ad- (By Ambassador Fred M. Zeder, II) underlying separation of sovereignty, na- ministered permanently as a territory with in- Consistent with relevant resolutions of the tionality and citizenship causes the relation- ternal constitutional self-government. However, U.N. General Assembly, Puerto Rico’s op- ship to evolve in the direction of full inde- the local constitution did not create a separate tions for full self-government are: Independ- pendence rather than functional re-integra- ence (Example: Philippines); Free Associa- tion. nation as the pro-commonwealth party in tion (Example: Republic of the Marshall Is- Free association is essentially a transi- Puerto Rico argues. Puerto Rican born Ameri- lands); Integration (Example: Hawaii). See, tional status for peoples who do not seek full cans are still disenfranchised in the federal po- G.A. Resolution 1514 (1960); G.A. Resolution integration, but rather seek to maintain litical system which is supreme in the territory 1541 (1960); G.A. Resolution 2625 (1970). close political, economic and security rela- as long as the U.S. flag flies over the island. For purposes of international law includ- tions with another nation during the period Puerto Rico is not a ``free associated state'' ing the relevant U.N. resolutions inter- after separate sovereignty is achieved. in the U.S. constitutional sense or under inter- national conventions to which the U.S. is a Again, this could be accomplished by treaty national law as recognized by the United party, the current status of Puerto Rico is between independent nations as well. Thus, best described as substantial but incomplete States. Puerto Rico remains a colony. That is free association is a form of separate sov- integration. This means that the ereignty that usually arises from the rela- not my choice of words, that is the term used decolonization process that commenced in tionship between a colonial power and a peo- by the McKinley Administration to describe 1952 has not been fulfilled. ple formerly in a colonial status who at least Puerto Rico. It is also the term used by the As a matter of U.S. domestic constitu- temporarily want close ties with the former former chief justice of the Puerto Rico Su- tional law, a territory within U.S. sov- colonial power for so long as both parties preme Court who was one of the architects of ereignty which has internal constitutional agree to the arrangements. the commonwealth constitution. self-government but is not fully integrated Free association is recognized as a distinct Because H.R. 856 will define the real and into the national system of political union form of separate sovereignty, even though le- on the basis of equality remains an unincor- true options that the Congress and the people gally it also is consistent with independence. porated territory, and can be referred to as a Specifically, free association is consistent in Puerto Rico have to resolve the status ‘‘commonwealth.’’ (Example: Puerto Rico with independence because, as explained question, I strongly support this bill. Informing and the Northern Mariana Islands). below, the special and close bilateral rela- the voters in the territory of the real definition For purposes of U.S. constitutional law, tionship created by a free association treaty of commonwealth, statehood and separate independence and free association are status or pact can be terminated in favor of conven- sovereignty including free association is nec- options which are created and exist on the tional independence at any time by either essary because of the misleading adoption in international plane. Thus, instead of the sov- party. ereign primacy of Congress under the terri- 1952 of the Spanish words for ``free associa- In addition, the U.S. and the international torial clause, the sources of constitutional community have recognized that a separate tion'' by the pro-commonwealth party to de- authority with respect to nations with sepa- nation can be a party to a bilateral pact of scribe the current commonwealth status. No rate sovereignty include the article II, sec- free association and be an independent na- wonder people are confused! tion 2 treaty-making power and the applica- tion in the conventional sense at the same Only when people understand the real op- ble article I, section 8 powers of Congress time. For example, the Republic of the Mar- tions can there be informed self-determination, such as that relating to nationality and im- shall Islands is party to the Compact of Free and only when there has been informed self- migration law. Association with the United States, but has determination can Congress then decide what Relations between the U.S. and a nation been admitted to the United Nations as an which is independent or in free association status is in the national interest. Then the sta- independent nation. are conducted on the basis of international Thus, the international practice regarding tus of Puerto Rico can be resolved if there is law. Thus, independence and free association free association actually is best understood agreement on the terms for status change. If are status options which would remove Puer- as a method of facilitating the not the status quo continues, but the process to Rico from its present existence within the decolonization process leading to simple and to decolonize Puerto Rico will exist. Then sphere of sovereignty of the United States absolute independence. Essentially, it allows Puerto Rico's colonial status will continue only and establish a separate Puerto Rican sov- new nations not prepared economically, so- as long as the people of Puerto Rico are un- ereignty outside the political union and fed- cially or strategically for emergence into able to choose between statehood and inde- eral constitutional system of the United conventional independence to achieve sepa- States. pendence on terms acceptable to Congress. rate nationhood in cooperation with a Instead of completing the integration proc- former colonial power or another existing To promote a better understanding of the ess through full incorporation and statehood, nation. nature of free association, I would like to either independence or free association Under international law and practice in- share the following background paper on free would ‘‘dis-integrate’’ Puerto Rico from the cluding the relevant U.N. resolutions and ex- association written by the U.S. Ambassador United States. This would terminate U.S. isting free association precedents, free asso- who negotiated free association treaties for sovereignty, nationality and citizenship and ciation must be terminable at will by either President Reagan. The U.S. has a free asso- end application of the U.S. Constitution in party in order to establish that the relation- ciation relationship with three Pacific island Puerto Rico. In other words, the process of ship is consistent with separate sovereignty gradual integration which began in 1898, and and the right of self-determination is pre- nations, and this status is very different from which was advanced by statutory U.S. citi- served. This international standard, also rec- the free association espoused by the so-called zenship in 1917 and establishment of con- ognized by the U.S., is based on the require- ``autonomists in Puerto Rico''Ðwho want to be stitutional arrangements approved by the ment that free association not be allowed to a separate sovereign nation but also keep people in 1952, would be terminated in favor become merely a new form of internationally U.S. nationally and citizenship. of either independence or free association. accepted colonialism. H784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 Specifically, free association is not in- governing people under U.S. administration If the people of Puerto Rico claim tended to create a new form of territorial to dispose of the territory of Puerto Rico in and vote for statehood, I would be the status or quasi-sovereignty. It is not a ‘‘na- a manner which does not take into account first in this Chamber to vote with them tion-within-a-nation’’ relationship or a form the freely expressed wishes of the residents. and to give them their vote and voice of irrevocable permanent union, but is, Thus, as the two parties which must define again, a sovereign-to-sovereign treaty-based and carry out a future relationship based on here in the Congress of the United relationship which is either of limited dura- consent and the right of self-determination States. But if in fact they choose Com- tion or terminable at will by either party which each must exercise, Congress, on be- monwealth status, then let us respect acting unilaterally. half of the United States, and the people of that as well, and let us make this an In other words, both parties have a sov- Puerto Rico, acting through their constitu- evenhanded debate that does not slight ereign right to terminate the relationship at tional process, must decide whether one side or the other, but gives this im- any time. The free association treaty may decolonization will be completed through portant issue the respect it is due. provide for the terms and measures which completion of the process for integration will apply in the event of unilateral termi- into union or separation and nationhood b 1345 nation, but the ability of either party to do apart from the U.S. for Puerto Rico. Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield so can not be conditioned or encumbered in Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I such time as he may consume to the such a manner that the exercise of the right 1 gentleman from New York (Mr. GIL- to terminate the relationship effectively is yield 2 ⁄2 minutes to the gentleman impaired or precluded. from Massachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY). MAN), the honorable chairman of the For that reason, the territory and popu- Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Committee on International Relations. lation of each nation involved must be with- Chairman, I thank the gentleman for (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given in the sovereignty, nationality and citizen- yielding time to me. permission to revise and extend his re- ship of that nation, and the elements and Mr. Chairman, I have been impressed marks.) mechanisms of the free association relation- in this debate thus far about the deter- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank ship must be defined consistent with that re- the gentleman from New York (Mr. quirement. Separate and distinct sov- mination of us as Members of Congress to provide for real self-determination SOLOMON) for yielding me this time. ereignty and nationality must be established Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support at the time of decolonization and preserved for the great people of Puerto Rico. I under the relationship or the ability of ei- think it is fundamentally important to of H.R. 856, the United States-Puerto ther party to terminate will be impaired. the Puerto Rican people themselves Rico Political Status Act, allowing Thus, the major power may grant to people and to all of us as Americans, when we Puerto Ricans to determine their fu- of the free associated nation special rights talk about the most important issue, ture political status. normally associated with the major power’s perhaps, that we can determine in this Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. own citizenship classifications, such as open Chamber, as to whether or not and who 856, the United States-Puerto Rico Political immigration and residence rights. Status Act, which will allow Puerto Ricans to However, these arrangements are subject we define as American citizens, that we to the same terminability as the overall re- are clearly saying to the Puerto Rican determine their future political status. lationship, and thus may be either for a lim- people that they are welcome as not This bill would give the U.S. citizens of ited duration or subject to unilateral termi- only citizens of this country, but they Puerto Rico the right to self-determination. I nation by either party at any time. are in fact welcome as a 51st State. believe every U.S. citizen should be afforded Consequently, there can be no permanent But, and I mean a serious but, for that opportunity. mass dual nationality because this would be The right to self-determination is a founda- anyone who has taken the time to visit inconsistent with the preservation of the un- tion or our freedoms. By voting against this Puerto Rico, to not just visit there in derlying separate sovereignty. Any special bill, we would be sending a message that we the sense of getting a nice suntan, but rights or classifications of the major power don't believe other citizens should be given extended to the people of a free associated going there and talking with the Puer- the opportunity and privilege of voting that we nation are more in the nature of residency to Rican people and gaining a better rights and do not prevent either nation from enjoy. understanding of their own identifica- Puerto Ricans have served and died in wars exercising separate sovereignty with respect tion, the truth of the matter is there to the nationality its own population. defending democracy for years, yet they can- Upon termination of the free association are millions of Puerto Ricans that con- not elect a President or participate in the legis- relationship by either party, any such classi- sider themselves to be Puerto Ricans, lative process. This is unjust and un-American. fications or special residency rights will be Puerto Ricans first. Voting for H.R. 856 will entrust 3.8 million His- subject to unilateral termination as well. American citizens, yes. They are panic Americans who reside in Puerto Rico Both during and after any period of free as- willing to fight and die for this coun- with the power of an educated vote on self-de- sociation, the people of each of the two na- try. But I do not consider myself a tions will owe their allegiance to and have termination. Massachusettan first and then an Furthermore, voting for H.R. 856 does not the separate nationality of their own coun- American, I consider myself to be an try. Any attempt to deviate from these confer statehood to Puerto Rico, but merely norms of international law and practice American. establishes a referendum that sets the terms would undermine the sovereignty of both na- I think that we as American citizens and clarifies the choices to allow Puerto tions, and would impair the right of self-de- ought to fundamentally be wide enough Ricans to determine their future political sta- termination which must be preserved to en- in the breadth of our knowledge and tus. With regard to the language of the island, sure the relationship is based on consent our sense of other human beings to Puerto Rico recognized English as an official rather than coercion. allow them their own self-identifica- language of the local government in 1902Ð In summary, the United States recognizes tion. That means that we ought to re- each of the three U.N. accepted status op- longer than any other American domain. tions for Puerto Rico to achieve full self-gov- spect those that believe in the Com- English is the language of the local and fed- ernment. One of those options, integration, monwealth party. eral governments, courts, and businesses, and is within U.S. sovereignty and the federal po- I have a great many friends that are is also in the curriculum of all the schools on litical union, the other two, independence commonwealthers and statehooders. the island of Puerto Rico. and free association, exist without U.S. sov- But I have great respect for the Com- As chairman of the International Relations ereignty, nationality and citizenship. monwealth party, and I believe that Committee, I recognize the importance of sup- Obviously, Puerto Rico can not act unilat- this bill unfairly slants the way we de- erally to establish a new status. This is so porting democratic principles abroad. Support- not only because of U.S. sovereignty and the fine Commonwealth by bringing up ing H.R. 856 were enormously help to authority of Congress under the territorial issues as to whether or not this means strengthen U.S. relations with Latin American clause, but also because Puerto Rico seeks that Puerto Rican people are going to nations. It is equally important to support the agreement of the U.S. to the terms under be forever faced with determinations these democratic standards here in America, which any of these options would be imple- by this body as to whether or not we by voting for a non-binding referendum. mented. This means Congress must agree to are going to consider them to be citi- For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to the terms under which a new status is de- zens, whether or not we are going to join in voting for H.R. 856, and grant Puerto fined and implemented. tax them, a whole series of questions Ricans the right to self-determination. There is no right on the part of Puerto ´ Rico unilaterally to define its relationship that effectively undermines one group Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Chair- with the United States. Nor would it be con- of Puerto Ricans that over and over man, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- sistent with U.S. commitments to respect again has stood up for equality status woman from the District of Columbia the right of self-determination for non-self- versus statehood. (Ms. NORTON). March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H785 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New York. I will ‘‘yes’’ for the Solomon amendment and the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. support it. But I will also vote against ‘‘no’’ on the passage of the bill. ROMERO-BARCELO´ ) for yielding me this this bill. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman time. We have a wonderful Resident Com- from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ) has 1 Mr. Chairman, a matter of self-deter- missioner here from Puerto Rico. minute remaining; the gentleman from mination should be a matter that There is excellent representation from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ ) has brings unanimous consent in this body, Guam, the District of Columbia, Virgin 31⁄2 minutes remaining; the gentleman and it pains to me to see divisions and Islands, American Samoa. But I think from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) has one-half splits. If the bill is imperfect, there are this is just wrong public policy. We minute remaining; and the gentleman many hurdles yet to go: additional is- should not be raising false expectations from New York (Mr. SOLOMON) has one- land votes, additional congressional of any group. I think the one way to do half minute remaining. votes provided by the bill. Also, the it is to say right now, let us not kid PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY vote to be taken in Puerto Rico is non- ourselves, this is not a good idea. Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I have binding. Puerto Rico is the result of the Span- a parliamentary inquiry. Above all, we cannot get ahead of the ish-American War. It has a wonderful The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will Puerto Rican people. In 1993, we in the people. What the gentleman from Mis- state it. District of Columbia had a historic sissippi said is absolutely correct. Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I be- vote on statehood. That is not what Many of them have given their lives for lieve under the procedures of the House this vote is about. It is about allowing our country. There are also wonderful that it would be appropriate at this the Puerto Rican people to decide what people in Guam, Saipan, the Virgin Is- time for the gentleman from Illinois affiliation they themselves desire. This lands, American Samoa, and the Dis- (Mr. GUTIERREZ) to use up his time, is what we say we want people around trict of Columbia. then the gentleman from Puerto Rico, the world to decide. Mr. Chairman, I would say to the then myself, and then reserving the I represent half a million people in gentlewoman from the District of Co- close for the chairman of the commit- the District of Columbia who identify lumbia (Ms. NORTON) that we can solve tee. Would that not be in order? I with Puerto Ricans because we too are the District’s problem very easily and would suggest it, at any rate. treated as less than full Americans, liv- do what Congress did in the Nineteenth The CHAIRMAN. The Chair will rec- ing here right under the noses of the Century when it ceded back to Virginia ognize Members to close general debate Congress of the United States. We that part of the District of Columbia in reverse of the order in which the know what it is like to fight and die in which had been carved out of Virginia. Members opened. Therefore, the Chair wars while suffering denials of con- Give it back to Maryland, and the Dis- will recognize Members to close debate comitant rights. trict would have full representation. as follows: The gentleman from Illinois The District has even fewer rights But Puerto Rico should never have than Puerto Ricans because we do not (Mr. GUTIERREZ), the gentleman from been a territory. Cuba was never a ter- have the right to self-government. We New York (Mr. SOLOMON), the gen- ritory. Cuba has been independent. in the District feel a deep kinship tleman from California (Mr. MILLER), Granted, the Marines occupied them which demands for self-determination and the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. and a number of other countries from around the world, and especially self- YOUNG). time to time. But we should have left determination among our own in Puer- Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I Cuba independent. We did. We should to Rico. yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- have left Puerto Rico independent. We Mr. Chairman, I think the gentleman man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman did not. And we need not continue that from Mississippi (Mr. TAYLOR) was very error forever. eloquent when he spoke about the from Mississippi (Mr. TAYLOR). Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. We kept our promise to the Phil- thousands of Puerto Ricans that have Chairman, as we debate this, there are ippines that they would be independent given their lives in the armed forces. 20,000 Puerto Ricans serving in the in 1946. There is many a Filipino life of And the gentleman ended his state- Armed Forces of the United States. In the Philippine Scouts, Philippine ment by saying they should be able to this century, 200,000 have taken the Army, that helped the United States in vote for statehood. Indeed, they should. pledge to defend our country. As re- the sad, sad days of 1941 when the Japa- That is not the question here. The cently as the Vietnam war, almost as nese Empire extended its military and question is should not they be able to many Puerto Ricans as Mississippians Naval forces southward in Asia. vote for other statuses also, and should gave their lives for our country. And as Many of the 50,000 Cambodians in my we stack the deck against them and in recently as the Gulf War, when Amer- City of Long Beach have talked to me favor of statehood? Listen. I want ev- ican casualties were miraculously low, and asked if Cambodia could become a erybody to understand this. We cannot four Puerto Ricans died for the United State. Now, that would be a wonderful have self-determination if the people States of America. idea. They are wonderful people. No who are going to have the plebiscite do Mr. Chairman, if that is not the price people except the Jews, the Kurds, the not agree with the definitions, if we to pay for the privilege of deciding Armenians, and a few others have had say to those people when they walk whether or not they want to be a State, to go through the hell that the people into the ballot box, and this is what we then what is? They have paid the price. of Cambodia have gone through. One are asking them to do: statehood, citi- They deserve the right to make that million were killed by Pol Pot. But as zenship guaranteed; commonwealth, decision. I have told them, it does not make maybe, including those thousands and Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues sense for them to be a State of the thousands that have served in the to please vote in favor of this bill. United States. We have to draw the Armed Forces that are citizens today. Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield line. That is weighting it against, and it is 3 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- And for those who have small States unfair. fornia (Mr. HORN), one of the Members and want the second representative, So if we are going to bring up the that would probably be considered the just forget about it if six representa- courage, if we are going to bring up the least partisan of all on both sides of tives come in from anywhere, Puerto commitment and the service, let them the aisle. Rico or any other territory that seeks decide in a fair manner what their fu- (Mr. HORN asked and was given per- statehood. ture is. And I remind my colleagues, mission to revise and extend his re- The niceness of the people and their this is not a group of people. It is not marks.) heroism, we should honor. But we a territory. It is a nation. They feel Mr. HORN. Mr. Chairman, I thank should not be getting ourselves entan- that they are a nation. Puerto Rico is the gentleman from New York (Mr. gled in situations that will be another a separate and distinct country. SOLOMON), chairman of the Committee Quebec, no matter how much we teach Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield on Rules, for yielding me this time. the English language. And, frankly, we myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I feel very strongly in have to say ‘‘no’’ from the beginning. Mr. Chairman, briefly, the reason I support of the amendment offered by Let us not make a major mistake. Vote have opposed this bill in its present H786 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 form is because it sets in motion a pro- similate'' Puerto Rico into the United States I urge the passage of H.R. 856. cedure that would possibly bring Puer- and believe the only way to ``assimilate'' these Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- to Rico into the Union with a simple residents is to declare English as the official man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman vote of 50 percent plus 1. When Alaska language. This is not true. At least four terri- from New York (Mr. ENGEL). came in, 83 percent of the people want- tories: Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in ed statehood. When Hawaii came in, 94 Hawaii were admitted as states with constitu- strong support of H.R. 856. To me this percent of the people wanted state- tional provisions protecting the rights of is a question of equity and fairness. hood. We cannot have another Quebec French, Spanish, Native American, and Native There are nearly 4 million Puerto on our hands like Canada. If the over- Hawaiian speaking residents. How can we im- Ricans who are American citizens who whelming majority of the people of pose different standards of Puerto Rico. are denied the right to self-determina- Puerto Rico want statehood, I will be Many would have us believe that Puerto tion. This bill simply starts a process. the first to stand up here to fight for Rico residents have no interest in speaking or It is nothing more, nothing less. their admittance. Until that time, I teaching or conducting business in English. We will be able to find out from this think we should oppose this bill. This is simply not true. For example: process what Puerto Ricans want. We Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- 85 percent of Post-Secondary school stu- can then respond to that process. This man, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- dents speak English and Spanish. is only fair. The people of Puerto Rico woman from Hawaii (Mrs. MINK). English is used in all official communications did not ask to be a part of this country Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Chairman, by federal agencies on the island. All docu- 100 years ago, remember. They became I thank the gentleman from Puerto ments presented before the United States Dis- a part by the Spanish-American War, Rico (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ ) for yield- trict Court for the District of Puerto Rico are in and as was pointed out, they have been ing me this time. English. Court proceedings in the Federal loyal citizens. They have the same Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong sup- Court are conducted in English. right to self-determination as all port of H.R. 856, and oppose the Solo- Since 1900 the public school system has of- Americans do. mon amendment and support the Mil- fered bilingual education. English is taught Mr. Chairman, I represent a district in the Bronx, in Westchester County in ler substitute. from Kindergarten through 12 grade. Mr. Chairman, I commend the gen- The Puerto Rico Department of Education is New York. We have many, many Puer- to Ricans living there and the people tleman from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) for implementing a program to strengthen the bi- his leadership in this matter. His State lingual skills of public school students. This are positively excited about the fact that their brethren on Puerto Rico will and my State went through years and program consists of a strong emphasis on have the opportunity to have this dia- years of agony, of pleading with this reading English and Spanish starting in Kin- logue. As my colleague from Hawaii Congress to be admitted as a complete dergarten; English textbooks in math and said, the people of Alaska and Hawaii partner, as a State. We went through science; English immersion programs; as well went through much the same thing. much this same type of argument on as teacher exchange programs between the Much of the arguments that were many side issues. And I regret that my continental United States and Puerto Rico to raised against them coming into the dear friends are in opposition to this improve English teaching skills. Union are being raised now. proposal on the grounds that they do 32 professions in Puerto Rico require their We do not favor any one thing. We not feel that the ballot is fairly stated. members to take licensing examinations in want the process to start. The people of The central issue here is that the English. They include Accounting, Architec- Puerto Rico deserve nothing less. people of Puerto Rico are being given ture, Engineering, Medicine, and Optometry. Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- the decision-making opportunity. They Puerto Rico's largest weekly newspaper, The man, I yield myself such time as I may have to cast their ballots one way or Caribbean Business, and the Pulitzer Prize- consume. another. The issue of statehood versus winning The San Juan Star, the third largest Mr. Chairman, I guess we should be commonwealth will be clearly debated daily newspaper, are both completely in discussing here an amendment as to by the people. English. whether this Nation should be allowed Mr. Chairman, I feel that this is an Even with this English foundation already to invade any country that does not issue which goes to the very heart of existing in Puerto Rico, H.R. 856 stresses the speak English. That is the problem. this democracy and the people of Puer- need for a continued English presence by stat- Mr. Chairman, there has been so to Rico ought to be given the right to ing that ``English shall be the common lan- much demagoguery here. When they vote. guage of mutual understanding in the United discuss it they say that we are not al- Mr. Chairman, H.R. 856 is the first congres- States.'' lowing the people that support com- sionally recognized framework that establishes Proposing an ``English-only'' amendment to monwealth to vote because we say that a referendum for the people of Puerto Rico to H.R. 856 opens up an issue larger than Puer- citizenship is statutory. What else is determine whether they choose to be a com- to Rico. An amendment declaring English as it? There is a Constitution of the monwealth, state, or independent nation. the official language of the United States af- United States that says that those H.R. 856 is not a bill granting statehood, it fects every state. This is an unnecessary born in a State are citizens and also is a bill to allow American citizens to deter- amendment that is larger than the bill at hand those that are naturalized are citizens. mine their political future. Some argue against and should be debated standing alone and not The Constitution does not say any- H.R. 856 because they do not like the defini- attached to H.R. 856. thing else. tion of commonwealth or simply do not sup- English is by far our Nation's common lan- So it is by law in 1917 that estab- port statehood and do not want to see the guage. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, lished that those born in Puerto Rico same rights and benefits accorded all states 95 percent of Americans currently speak shall be citizens of the United States, given to Puerto Rico. We do not know how the English ``well'' or ``very well.'' It is because so we are citizens by a statute. And people of Puerto Rico will vote. However, we English is already the language of the U.S. that statute cannot be repealed to deny owe our fellow Americans the chance to de- and its people, and because there is no threat those that are citizens the right of citi- cide for themselves what relationship they that English will be subsumed by other lan- zenship. But that statute can be re- wish to have with the United States. guages, that I do not think English-Only pealed to say and amended to say that For example, some say the bill's definition amendments affecting all Americans should be those that are born from the year 2,000 of Puerto Rico's current territorial or ``common- enacted. on will no longer be citizens by reason wealth'' status is not attractive as statehood. For the past 100 years, the people of Puerto of birth, and the people of Puerto Rico Each status has its advantages and disadvan- Rico have served America with loyalty, pride should know that under commonwealth tages. If a majority of the residents of Puerto and commitment. They have a right to decide that could happen. We say it will prob- Rico were to choose to remain a common- what form of relationship Puerto Rico should ably not happen because it is the policy wealth under H.R. 856, their relationship with have with the United States. I support a plebi- of the Nation to maintain those that the United States would not change. scite. Hawaii as a Territory also was accorded are born in Puerto Rico from now on There are some who oppose the possibility U.S. citizens status and later voted to become also as citizens, but they must know of Puerto Rico becoming a state because both a state. The people of Puerto Rico should also the truth. Spanish and English are the official languages decide this for themselves. H.R. 856 allows The people of the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. These opponents wish to ``as- them to do so. have been voting for lies for many, March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H787 many years and they have been misled. political freedom. We must allow the United free association is a possibility for Puerto Rico The United Nations was misled when States citizens living in Puerto Rico to deter- to consider at some point in the future, but this country went to the United Na- mine their political future as well. given the present political makeup of the com- tions and said Puerto Rico has Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Chairman, I rise in oppo- monwealth, I do not believe it should be in- achieved a full measure of self-govern- sition to H.R. 856, the United States-Puerto cluded on the ballot at this time. ment. All of my colleagues know that I Rico Political Status Act. Before I make my specific comments on am here and I cannot vote. I cannot Back during my baseball days, I actually H.R. 856, I want to note for the record that I even vote for this bill that is so impor- lived in Puerto Rico for two years. And I think think it is critically important that throughout tant for the people of Puerto Rico. I have some idea about life on the island. It this process, as an institution, Congress must Mr. Chairman, all we are asking is has a long, rich history, and a vibrant culture. present itself as fair and as evenhanded as give us an opportunity for self-deter- Living there was a wonderful experience. mination. Give us an opportunity to But, I think that it's this history and culture possible. When I speak of self-determination vote whether we want to stay as we are that dictate that Puerto Rico should be inde- for Puerto Rico, in my mind, that means the or we want to be a State or we want to pendent from the United States. No matter people of Puerto Rico choose their own be independent. This is self-determina- how hard the proponents of statehood, or course, and in making that choice all options tion, what we have fought for on for- those who support continuing commonwealth should be available for the people of Puerto eign soils all over the world. status, argue their case, I don't think they can Rico to consider. b 1400 reconcile the fact that Puerto Rico has strong Even though Congress has plenary authority Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- traditions that profoundly separates it from over Puerto Rico, I believe it would be a seri- man, I yield myself the balance of my America. ous mistake for the Congress to impose its will time. It is a separation that cannot be bridged. upon the people of Puerto Rico without fair Again, this is our opportunity, as we I recognize that on the surface there are and equitable consultation with the Puerto close this debate to thank everybody similarities between America and Puerto Rico. Rican leaders and the people. I place such participating in the debate for their de- Politically and economically some links have high concern on this issue because it is my corum and their honesty and their been forged during Puerto Rico's years as an sense that if Congress is not scrupulously strong beliefs. I believe that this is the American Commonwealth. evenhanded in this regard, three things can correct way to go. I believe it is the But these connections are only skin deep. happen. First, the U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico right thing to do. This is justice. Beyond that the customs and culture of Puerto lose their trust in the process and in Congress I will strongly oppose the Solomon Rico are predominantly their own, or much as an institution. Second, if events do not go amendment. I will support the biparti- more closely identified with other Latin or His- as smoothly as Congress might hope, it will be san amendment of BURTON-YOUNG-MIL- panic cultures. the Congress that will be blamed for the prob- LER, and I suggest respectfully that The vast majority of its residents speak lems, and rightfully so. Third, we all know po- this is the right thing for Congress Spanish, not English. And in the most recent litical status is an emotional issue in Puerto today. And as we stop this great cen- referenda, held just five years ago, the resi- Rico. The Commonwealth has a long history tury and begin a new century, the right dents were profoundly divided over their is- of fair and impartial elections with voting per- thing to do for the Americans of Puer- land's future. None of the optionsÐindepend- centages which are the envy of every state of to Rico and the great United States of ence, statehood, or commonwealth statusÐre- the United States. If the political status selec- America. ceived even a majority vote, much less a ring- tion process were perceived as unfair, I fear Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Chairman, I ing endorsement. the consequences of even the perception of rise in support of the Puerto Rico Political Sta- If an overwhelming majority of residents partiality, and again, I believe Congress would tus Act. The bill would grant the four million wanted to join the United States that would be have to take its share of the blame and re- U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico the right to one thing. But the indecision among Puerto sponsibility. determine their own future. Ricans simply reflects the fact that the dis- This year marks the one hundredth anniver- tance between the U.S. and Puerto Rico is Mr. Chairman, as I see it, the underlying sary of Puerto Rico's accession into the much greater than the 950 miles of ocean that problem, if it is a problem at all, is that over United States at the end of the Spanish-Amer- separate San Juan from Miami. 90% of the people of Puerto Rico are almost ican War. Over that time, Puerto Rico has Mr. Chairman, I think Puerto Rico should be evenly split on which political course they made major contributions to this nation, includ- independent. I don't think it should be a state, should follow. As a result of this, no one group ing the service of more than 200,000 of its and I don't think it should be a commonwealth. can obtain a majority of votes. Until that young men and women in the armed forces of And I think that no matter what we do here changes, any affirmative action Congress the United States. More than 8,000 have given today, there is no way we can overcome the takes will not be in accordance with the wish- their lives in defense of our nation's freedom. fact that America and Puerto Rico are sepa- es of the majority in Puerto Rico. Given those Given the many contributions residents of rated by profound differences. facts, I believe it is neither wise, nor good pol- Puerto Rico have made to the United States, The bill before us today claims to present us icy, to tilt the scales, just to acquire a majority. I support this initiative for Puerto Rico's self- with a choice for helping Puerto Ricans deter- I do have a few concerns with this legisla- determination. mine their future. But, it is a false choice be- tion I want to note. I have said repeatedly that The self-determination process of H.R. 856 cause no matter how long we debate this mat- I do not like the idea of one political group de- ensures that the people of Puerto Rico and ter in Congress, and no matter how many fining another political group's definition of the people of the United States, through their referenda are held in Puerto Rico, their is only itself. To a certain extent, we have that prob- representatives in Congress, will each have a one inevitable outcomeÐindependence. lem in this billÐthe bill contains a definition of voice in the three stages of resolving Puerto Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Chairman, I rise Commonwealth status, but it was not drafted Rico's political status. As you know, the bill al- today in support of the Young-Miller substitute and is not supported by the political party lows residents of Puerto Rico to determine the for H.R. 856, the United States-Puerto Rico which supports that status. It is difficult to ask Political Status Act. political status of their island by a democratic a political organization to vote for or support a The political status of Puerto Rico has been referendum process. Under the bill, voters status its members do not support, and that is a topic of discussion of the Committee on Re- choose either to retain the current common- a serious concern I have with this bill. The sit- sources, and its predecessor Committees, for wealth structure for local self government as a uation is complicated by the apparent reluc- decades. My interest in Puerto Rico began in territory, separate sovereignty, or statehood. tance of the Popular Democratic Party to pro- This bill does not mandate that Puerto Rico the 1970's when I was a member of the staff vide a definition of ``Commonwealth'' which become a state. The bill would leave the deci- of Congressman Phil Burton of California. I could be included in the bill. sion to the local residents to exercise their col- learned then of the political divisions within lective voice and determine the future of Puer- Puerto Rico, and those political divisions are Because of the opposition of the one of the to Rico. However, should residents favor still in existence. major political parties to a key definition in the statehood, the bill outlines a transition plan From my perspective, all three political par- bill, it was not an easy decision for me to sup- that includes incentives and opportunities for ties in Puerto Rico make persuasive argu- port this bill. I support the definitions contained residents to learn English. ments in support of their respective positions, in the Young-Miller substitute, but want to note Mr. Chairman, the United States is known and I believe all three are viable political op- that I do not consider the definition of Com- the world over as the promoter and keeper of tions. Additionally, I believe a political status of monwealth as describing a static relationship H788 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 as some have stated. Rather, I believe it de- would receive if it was a State and its resi- Sec. 7. Availability of funds for the scribes the current dynamic relationship be- dents contributed into the Highway Trust referenda. tween the people of Puerto Rico and the peo- Fund. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. ple of the United States, which can and should In fact, under existing formulas, if Puerto The Congress finds the following: be changed over time. Rico was a State it would receive back in fed- (1) Puerto Rico was ceded to the United Secondly, while some may not consider eral highway dollars far more than what it con- States and came under this Nation’s sov- ereignty pursuant to the Treaty of Paris Puerto Rico's current relationship with the tributes in motor fuel taxes as is the case with ending the Spanish-American War in 1898. United States to be a permanent one, it does Hawaii, Connecticut and many other States. Article IX of the Treaty of Paris recognized not make sense to force a change on the peo- Is there a pressing need to make transpor- the authority of Congress to provide for the ple of Puerto Rico which they do not want. It tation improvements in Puerto Rico, yes, cer- political status of the inhabitants of the ter- would be a serious mistake to encourage the tainly. ritory. people into a ``permanent'' political status that Anyone who has driven the streets of (2) Consistent with establishment of will not best serve their long-term interests. Santruce, of Rios Piedras, of Bayamon or any- United States nationality for inhabitants of Third, Mr. Speaker, is the issue of the use where else in San Juan knows of the massive Puerto Rico under the Treaty of Paris, Con- gress has exercised its powers under the Ter- of the English and Spanish languages in Puer- congestion which plagues that city. ritorial Clause of the Constitution (article to Rico. Coming from an insular area in which This is not to say that the government is not IV, section 3, clause 2) to provide by several Samoan and English are spoken I see nothing making efforts to make improvements. statutes beginning in 1917, for the United to gain and much to lose by forcing the citi- For example, Tren Urbano is one of if not States citizenship status of persons born in zens of Puerto Rico to give up part of their the best new transit start anywhere in the Puerto Rico. Spanish heritage by prohibiting them from United States. Yet, the federal share currently (3) Consistent with the Territorial Clause speaking to each other in Spanish. is only 30% of that project while other, less and rulings of the United States Supreme On the other hand, we will not be well deserving transit projects, have federal share Court, partial application of the United States Constitution has been established in served as a nation if the vast majority of the of at least 50% with some up to 80%. the unincorporated territories of the United citizens of one of our states do not speak Why is this? I think in part it is due to the States including Puerto Rico. English, and speak it well. The example of resourcefulness of the governor and his ad- (4) In 1950, Congress prescribed a procedure Quebec, Canada has been often discussed ministration. But I also think it is in part be- for instituting internal self-government for these last few weeks, but that is not the only cause they feel there may be limits to the ex- Puerto Rico pursuant to statutory author- example. I would also point to the problems in tent of federal transit dollars they can seek ization for a local constitution. A local con- the Balkans and in many countries in sub-Sa- under Commonwealth status. stitution was approved by the people of haran Africa. This is a very difficult issue In conclusion, I would observe that the peo- Puerto Rico, approved by Congress, subject ple of Puerto Rico have shed their blood in to conforming amendment by Puerto Rico, which I believe is appropriately addressed in and thereupon given effect in 1952 after ac- the Burton-Miller-Young amendment, and I defense of the United States. For over 100 ceptance of congressional conditions by the support that amendment. years they have been a junior partner in the Puerto Rico Constitutional Convention and Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support development of the greatest Democracy in the an appropriate proclamation by the Gov- of H.R. 856, legislation which would provide a world that is this country. The relationship has ernor. The approved constitution established framework by which the people of Puerto Rico been mutually beneficial. the structure for constitutional government may determine their political status. However, I believe it is time, once again, for in respect of internal affairs without altering Various speakers during today's debate will the people of Puerto Rico to make a deter- Puerto Rico’s fundamental political, social, discuss a number of aspects of this legislation mination as to their political status. and economic relationship with the United States and without restricting the authority and the sensitive issues it raises. Do they want a full seat at the table that is of Congress under the Territorial Clause to However, as the ranking Democratic Mem- these United States, to be a full and equal determine the application of Federal law to ber on the Subcommittee on Surface Trans- partner, or do they want to continue to sit at Puerto Rico, resulting in the present ‘‘Com- portation, I will limit my remarks to how Puerto that table on a small stool as a common- monwealth’’ structure for local self-govern- Rico is currently being treated under the fed- wealth, or do they want to go their own way ment. The Commonwealth remains an unin- eral highway and transit programs, and what as a separate nation. corporated territory and does not have the the process of self-determination could mean That is what this legislation is about. status of ‘‘free association’’ with the United to the island. I urge a yes vote on H.R. 856. States as that status is defined under United Today, the people of Puerto Rico are the The CHAIRMAN. All time for general States law or international practice. (5) In 1953, the United States transmitted beneficiaries of federal highway dollars even debate has expired. to the Secretary-General of the United Na- though they do not pay any federal motor fuel Pursuant to the rule, the amendment tions for circulation to its Members a formal taxes into the Highway Trust Fund. in the nature of a substitute printed in notification that the United States no longer On the surface, that may appear to be a the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD and num- would transmit information regarding Puer- good deal of Puerto Rico and a bad deal for bered 1 is considered as an original bill to Rico to the United Nations pursuant to the rest of the country. for the purpose of amendment and is Article 73(e) of its Charter. The formal Yet, our contribution to the highway infra- considered as having been read. United States notification document in- structure of the island is relatively small. In- The text of the amendment in the na- formed the United Nations that the ces- ture of a substitute is as follows: sation of information on Puerto Rico was deed, over the six-year life of ISTEA, starting based on the ‘‘new constitutional arrange- with 1992 and ending with 1997, Puerto Rico Amendment in the nature of a sub- ments’’ in the territory, and the United received $492 million in federal highway dol- stitute: States expressly defined the scope of the lars. Strike all after the enacting clause and in- ‘‘full measure’’ of local self-government in It is interesting to note that with a population sert the following: Puerto Rico as extending to matters of ‘‘in- of about 3.8 million people, Puerto Rico re- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. ternal government and administration, sub- ceived considerably less than Hawaii, a State (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as ject only to compliance with applicable pro- with similar characteristics in terms of the fac- the ‘‘United States-Puerto Rico Political visions of the Federal Constitution, the Status Act’’. tors used to apportion federal highway dollars Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act and the (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- acts of Congress authorizing and approving to the States. tents for this Act is as follows: the Constitution, as may be interpreted by With a much smaller population of 1.2 mil- Sec. 1. Short title, table of contents. judicial decision.’’. Thereafter, the General lion, Hawaii received a little more than $1.2 Sec. 2. Findings. Assembly of the United Nations, based upon billion in federal highway dollars during ISTEA Sec. 3. Policy. consent of the inhabitants of the territory compared to the $492 million sent to Puerto Sec. 4. Process for Puerto Rican full self- and the United States explanation of the new Rico. government, including the ini- status as approved by Congress, adopted Res- On the other hand, if we simply look to pop- tial decision stage, transition olution 748 (VIII) by a vote of 22 to 18 with 19 ulation, Connecticut with about 3.3 million peo- stage, and implementation abstentions, thereby accepting the United stage. States determination to cease reporting to ple received $2.2 billion over ISTEA compared Sec. 5. Requirements relating to referenda, the United Nations on the status of Puerto to Puerto Rico's $492 million. including inconclusive referen- Rico. As such, while Puerto Rico, which pays no dum and applicable laws. (6) In 1960, the United Nations General As- federal motor fuel taxes, receives federal high- Sec. 6. Congressional procedures for consid- sembly approved Resolution 1541 (XV), clari- way dollars, the amount is nowhere near it eration of legislation. fying that under United Nations standards March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H789 regarding the political status options avail- ‘‘. . . a plebiscite sponsored by the Federal ‘‘(1) Puerto Rico is joined in a relationship able to the people of territories yet to com- Government, to be held no later than 1998’’. with and under the national sovereignty of plete the process for achieving full self-gov- (14) Nearly 4,000,000 United States citizens the United States. It is the policy of the Con- ernment, the three established forms of full live in the islands of Puerto Rico, which gress that this relationship should only be self-government are national independence, have been under United States sovereignty dissolved by mutual consent. free association based on separate sov- and within the United States customs terri- ‘‘(2) Under this political relationship, Puer- ereignty, or full integration with another na- tory for almost 100 years, making Puerto to Rico like a State is an autonomous politi- tion on the basis of equality. Rico the oldest, largest, and most populous cal entity, sovereign over matters not ruled (7) The ruling of the United States Su- United States island territory at the south- by the Constitution of the United States. In preme Court in the 1980 case Harris v. eastern-most boundary of our Nation, lo- the exercise of this sovereignty, the laws of Rosario (446 U.S. 651) confirmed that Con- cated astride the strategic shipping lanes of the Commonwealth shall govern in Puerto gress continues to exercise authority over the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Rico to the extent that they are consistent Puerto Rico pursuant to the Territorial (15) Full self-government is attainable only with the Constitution, treaties, and laws of Clause found at Article IV, section 3, clause through establishment of a political status the United States. Congress retains its con- 2 of the United States Constitution; and in which is based on either separate sov- stitutional authority to enact laws it deems the 1982 case of Rodriguez v. Popular Demo- ereignty and nationality or full and equal necessary relating to Puerto Rico. cratic Party (457 U.S. 1), the Court confirmed United States nationality and citizenship ‘‘(3) Persons born in Puerto Rico have that the Congress delegated powers of ad- through membership in the Union. United States citizenship by statute as se- cured by the Constitution. It is the policy of ministration to the Commonwealth of Puer- SEC. 3. POLICY. the United States that citizenship will con- to Rico sufficient for it to function ‘‘like a (a) CONGRESSIONAL COMMITMENT.—In rec- tinue to be granted to persons born in Puerto State’’ and as ‘‘an autonomous political en- ognition of the significant level of local self- Rico. The rights, privileges, and immunities tity’’ in respect of internal affairs and ad- government which has been attained by provided for by the United States Constitu- ministration, ‘‘sovereign over matters not Puerto Rico, and the responsibility of the tion apply in Puerto Rico, except where lim- ruled by the Constitution’’ of the United Federal Government to enable the people of ited by the Constitution to citizens residing States. These rulings constitute judicial in- the territory to freely express their wishes in a State. terpretation of Puerto Rico’s status which is regarding political status and achieve full self-government, this Act is adopted with a ‘‘(4) Puerto Rico will continue to partici- in accordance with the clear intent of Con- pate in Federal programs and may be en- gress that establishment of local constitu- commitment to encourage the development and implementation of procedures through abled to participate equally with the States tional government in 1952 did not alter Puer- in the programs where it is not now partici- to Rico’s fundamental status. which the permanent political status of the people of Puerto Rico can be determined. pating equally contingent on the payment of (8) In a joint letter dated January 17, 1989, contributions, which may include payment cosigned by the Governor of Puerto Rico in (b) LANGUAGE.—English is the common lan- guage of mutual understanding in the United of taxes, as provided by Federal law. his capacity as president of one of Puerto ‘‘B. SEPARATE SOVEREIGNTY.—If you agree, States, and in all of the States duly and free- Rico’s principal political parties and the mark here lll presidents of the two other principal politi- ly admitted to the Union. The Congress rec- ‘‘The people of Puerto Rico should become cal parties of Puerto Rico, the United States ognizes that at the present time, Spanish fully self-governing through separate sov- was formally advised that ‘‘. . . the People of and English are the joint official languages ereignty in the form of independence or free Puerto Rico wish to be consulted as to their of Puerto Rico, and have been for nearly 100 association, in which— preference with regards to their ultimate po- years; that English is the official language of ‘‘(1) Puerto Rico is a sovereign Republic litical status’’, and the joint letter stated Federal courts in Puerto Rico; that the abil- which has full authority and responsibility ‘‘. . . that since Puerto Rico came under the ity to speak English is a requirement for over its territory and population under a sovereignty of the United States of America Federal jury services; yet Spanish rather constitution which is the supreme law, pro- through the Treaty of Paris in 1898, the Peo- than English is currently the predominant viding for a republican form of government ple of Puerto Rico have not been formally language used by the majority of the people and the protection of human rights; consulted by the United States of America as of Puerto Rico; and that Congress has the ‘‘(2) the Republic of Puerto Rico is a mem- to their choice of their ultimate political authority to expand existing English lan- ber of the community of nations vested with status’’. guage requirements in the Commonwealth of full powers and responsibilities for its own (9) In the 1989 State of the Union Message, Puerto Rico. In the event that the referenda fiscal and monetary policy, immigration, President George Bush urged the Congress to held under this Act result in approval of sov- trade, and the conduct in its own name and take the necessary steps to authorize a fed- ereignty leading to Statehood, it is antici- right of relations with other nations and erally recognized process allowing the people pated that upon accession to Statehood, international organizations, including the of Puerto Rico, for the first time since the English language requirements of the Fed- rights and responsibilities that devolve upon Treaty of Paris entered into force, to freely eral Government shall apply in Puerto Rico a sovereign nation under the general prin- express their wishes regarding their future to the same extent as Federal law requires ciples of international law; political status in a congressionally recog- throughout the United States. Congress also ‘‘(3) the residents of Puerto Rico owe alle- nized referendum, a step in the process of recognizes the significant advantage that giance to and have the nationality and citi- self-determination which the Congress has proficiency in Spanish as well as English has zenship of the Republic of Puerto Rico; yet to authorize. bestowed on the people of Puerto Rico, and ‘‘(4) The Constitution and laws of the (10) On November 14, 1993, the Government further that this will serve the best interests United States no longer apply in Puerto of Puerto Rico conducted a plebiscite initi- of both Puerto Rico and the rest of the Rico, and United States sovereignty in Puer- ated under local law on Puerto Rico’s politi- United States in our mutual dealings in the to Rico is ended; thereupon birth in Puerto cal status. In that vote none of the three sta- Caribbean, Latin America, and throughout Rico or relationship to persons with statu- tus propositions received a majority of the the Spanish-speaking world. tory United States citizenship by birth in votes cast. The results of that vote were: 48.6 SEC. 4. PROCESS FOR PUERTO RICAN FULL SELF- the former territory shall cease to be a basis percent for a commonwealth option, 46.3 per- GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING THE INI- for United States nationality or citizenship, TIAL DECISION STAGE, TRANSITION cent statehood, and 4.4 percent independ- STAGE, AND IMPLEMENTATION except that persons who had such United ence. STAGE. States citizenship have a statutory right to (11) In a letter dated December 2, 1994, (a) INITIAL DECISION STAGE.—A referendum retain United States nationality and citizen- President William Jefferson Clinton in- on Puerto Rico’s political status is author- ship for life, by entitlement or election as formed leaders in Congress that an Executive ized to be held not later than December 31, provided by the United States Congress, Branch Interagency Working Group on Puer- 1998. The referendum shall be held pursuant based on continued allegiance to the United to Rico had been organized to coordinate the to this Act and in accordance with the appli- States: Provided, That such persons will not review, development, and implementation of cable provisions of Puerto Rico’s electoral have this statutory United States national- executive branch policy concerning issues af- law and other relevant statutes consistent ity and citizenship status upon having or fecting Puerto Rico, including the November with this Act. Approval of a status option maintaining allegiance, nationality, and 1993 plebiscite. must be by a majority of the valid votes citizenship rights in any sovereign nation, (12) Under the Territorial Clause of the cast. The referendum shall be on the ap- including the Republic of Puerto Rico, other Constitution, Congress has the authority and proval of 1 of the 3 options presented on the than the United States; responsibility to determine Federal policy ballot as follows: ‘‘(5) The previously vested rights of indi- and clarify status issues in order to resolve ‘‘Instructions: Mark the status option you viduals in Puerto Rico to benefits based upon the issue of Puerto Rico’s final status. choose as each is defined below. Ballot with past services rendered or contributions made (13) On January 23, 1997, the Puerto Rico more than 1 option marked will not be to the United States shall be honored by the Legislature enacted Concurrent Resolution counted. United States as provided by Federal law; 2, which requested the 105th Congress ‘‘. . . to ‘‘A. COMMONWEALTH.—If you agree, mark ‘‘(6) Puerto Rico and the United States respond to the democratic aspirations of the here lll seek to develop friendly and cooperative re- American citizens of Puerto Rico’’ by ap- ‘‘Puerto Rico should retain Common- lations in matters of mutual interest as proving legislation authorizing wealth, in which— agreed in treaties approved pursuant to their H790 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998

respective constitutional processes, and laws gress by the President with the transition (2) CONGRESSIONAL CONSIDERATION.—The including economic and programmatic as- plan required by this section, along with the joint resolution shall be considered by the sistance at levels and for a reasonable period views of the President regarding the compat- Congress in accordance with section 6. as provided on a government-to-government ibility of such proposals and recommenda- (3) PUERTO RICAN APPROVAL.— basis, trade between customs territories, tions with the United States Constitution (A) Within 180 days after enactment of the transit of citizens in accordance with immi- and this Act, and identifying which, if any, terms of implementation for full self-govern- gration laws, and status of United States of such proposals and recommendations have ment for Puerto Rico, a referendum shall be military forces; and been addressed in the President’s proposed held under the applicable provisions of Puer- ‘‘(7) a free association relationship may be transition plan. to Rico’s electoral laws on the question of established based on separate sovereign re- (C) Additionally, in the event of a vote in the approval of the terms of implementation public status as defined above, but with such favor of United States sovereignty leading to for full self-government for Puerto Rico. delegations of government functions and Statehood, the President shall include in the (B) Approval must be by a majority of the other cooperative arrangements as may be transition plan provided for in this Act— valid votes cast. The results of the referen- agreed to by both parties under a bilateral (i) proposals and incentives to increase the dum shall be certified to the President of the pact terminable at will by either the United opportunities of the people of Puerto Rico to United States. States or Puerto Rico. learn to speak, read, write, and understand SEC. 5. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO ‘‘C. STATEHOOD.—If you agree, mark here REFERENDA, INCLUDING INCONCLU- lll English fully, including but not limited to, the teaching of English in public schools, fel- SIVE REFERENDUM AND APPLICA- ‘‘Puerto Rico should become fully self gov- BLE LAWS. lowships, and scholarships. The transition erning through Statehood, in which— (a) APPLICABLE LAWS.— plan should promote the usage of English by ‘‘(1) the people of Puerto Rico are fully (1) REFERENDA UNDER PUERTO RICAN LAWS.— self-governing with their rights secured the United States citizens of Puerto Rico, in The referenda held under this Act shall be under the United States Constitution, which order to best allow for— conducted in accordance with the applicable shall be fully applicable in Puerto Rico and (I) the enhancement of the century old laws of Puerto Rico, including laws of Puerto which, with the laws and treaties of the practice of English as an official language of Rico under which voter eligibility is deter- United States, is the supreme law and has Puerto Rico, consistent with the preserva- mined and which require United States citi- the same force and effect as in the other tion of our Nation’s unity in diversity and zenship and establish other statutory re- States of the Union; the prevention of divisions along linguistic quirements for voter eligibility of residents ‘‘(2) the State of Puerto Rico becomes a lines; and nonresidents. part of the permanent union of the United (II) the use of language skills necessary to (2) FEDERAL LAWS.—The Federal laws ap- States of America, subject to the United contribute most effectively to the Nation in plicable to the election of the Resident Com- States Constitution, with powers not prohib- all aspects, including but not limited to missioner of Puerto Rico shall, as appro- ited by the Constitution to the States, re- Hemispheric trade; priate and consistent with this Act, also served to the State of Puerto Rico in its sov- (III) the promotion of efficiency to all peo- apply to the referenda. Any reference in such ereignty or to the people; ple in the conduct of the Federal and State Federal laws to elections shall be considered, ‘‘(3) United States citizenship of those born government’s official business; and as appropriate, to be a reference to the in Puerto Rico is recognized, protected and (IV) the ability of all citizens to take full referenda, unless it would frustrate the pur- secured in the same way it is for all United advantage of the economical, educational, poses of this Act. States citizens born in the other States; and occupational opportunities through full (b) CERTIFICATION OF REFERENDA RE- ‘‘(4) rights, freedoms, and benefits as well integration with the United States; and SULTS.—The results of each referendum held as duties and responsibilities of citizenship, (ii) the effective date of incorporation, under this Act shall be certified to the Presi- including payment of Federal taxes, apply in thereby permitting the greatest degree of dent of the United States and the Senate and the same manner as in the several States; flexibility for the phase-in of Federal pro- House of Representatives of the United ‘‘(5) Puerto Rico is represented by two grams and the development of the economy States by the Government of Puerto Rico. members in the United States Senate and is through fiscal incentives, alternative tax ar- (c) CONSULTATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS represented in the House of Representatives rangements, and other measures. FOR INCONCLUSIVE REFERENDUM.— proportionate to the population; (D) In the event of a vote in favor of Com- (1) IN GENERAL.—If a referendum provided ‘‘(6) United States citizens in Puerto Rico monwealth, the Government of Puerto Rico in section 4(b) or (c) of this Act does not re- are enfranchised to vote in elections for the may call a Special Convention to develop sult in approval of a fully self-governing sta- President and Vice President of the United proposals for submission to the President tus, the President, in consultation with offi- States; and and the Congress for changes in Federal pol- cials of the three branches of the Govern- ‘‘(7) English is the official language of icy on matters of economic and social con- ment of Puerto Rico, the principal political business and communication in Federal cern to the people of Puerto Rico. The Presi- parties of Puerto Rico, and other interested courts and Federal agencies as made applica- dent and the Congress, as appropriate, shall persons as may be appropriate, shall make ble by Federal law to every other State, and expeditiously consider any such proposals. recommendations to the Congress within 180 Puerto Rico is enabled to expand and build The Commonwealth would assume any ex- days of receipt of the results of the referen- upon existing law establishing English as an penses related to increased responsibilities dum regarding completion of the self-deter- official language of the State government, resulting from such proposals. mination process for Puerto Rico under the courts, and agencies.’’. (2) CONGRESSIONAL CONSIDERATION.—The authority of Congress. (b) TRANSITION STAGE.— plan shall be considered by the Congress in (2) ADDITIONAL REFERENDA.—To ensure that (1) PLAN.—(A) Within 180 days of the re- accordance with section 6. the Congress is able on a continuing basis to ceipt of the results of the referendum from (3) PUERTO RICAN APPROVAL.— exercise its Territorial Clause powers with the Government of Puerto Rico certifying (A) Not later than 180 days after enactment due regard for the wishes of the people of approval of a ballot choice of full self-gov- of an Act pursuant to paragraph (1) provid- Puerto Rico respecting resolution of Puerto ernment in a referendum held pursuant to ing for the transition to full self-government Rico’s permanent future political status, in subsection (a), the President shall develop for Puerto Rico as approved in the initial de- the event that a referendum conducted under and submit to Congress legislation for a cision referendum held under subsection (a), section 4(a) does not result in a majority transition plan of not more than 10 years a referendum shall be held under the applica- vote for separate sovereignty or statehood, which leads to full self-government for Puer- there is authorized to be further referenda in to Rico consistent with the terms of this Act ble provisions of Puerto Rico’s electoral law on the question of approval of the transition accordance with this Act, but not less than and the results of the referendum and in con- once every 10 years. sultation with officials of the three branches plan. (B) Approval must be by a majority of the SEC. 6. CONGRESSIONAL PROCEDURES FOR CON- of the Government of Puerto Rico, the prin- SIDERATION OF LEGISLATION. valid votes cast. The results of the referen- cipal political parties of Puerto Rico, and (a) IN GENERAL.—The majority leader of dum shall be certified to the President of the other interested persons as may be appro- the House of Representatives (or his des- United States. priate. ignee) and the majority leader of the Senate (B) Additionally, in the event of a vote in (c) IMPLEMENTATION STAGE.— (or his designee) shall each introduce legisla- favor of separate sovereignty, the Legisla- (1) PRESIDENTIAL RECOMMENDATION.—Not tion (by request) providing for the transition ture of Puerto Rico, if deemed appropriate, less than two years prior to the end of the plan under section 4(b) and the implementa- may provide by law for the calling of a con- period of the transition provided for in the tion recommendation under section 4(c) not stituent convention to formulate, in accord- transition plan approved under subsection later than 5 legislative days after the date of ance with procedures prescribed by law, (b), the President shall submit to Congress a receipt by Congress of the submission by the Puerto Rico’s proposals and recommenda- joint resolution with a recommendation for President under that section, as the case tions to implement the referendum results. the date of termination of the transition and may be. If a convention is called for this purpose, any the date of implementation of full self-gov- (b) REFERRAL.—The legislation shall be re- proposals and recommendations formally ernment for Puerto Rico within the transi- ferred on the date of introduction to the ap- adopted by such convention within time lim- tion period consistent with the ballot choice propriate committee or committees in ac- its of this Act shall be transmitted to Con- approved under subsection (a). cordance with rules of the respective Houses. March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H791 The legislation shall be reported not later (A) the legislation of the other House shall Elections Commission of Puerto Rico for than the 120th calendar day after the date of not be referred to a committee and may not referenda pursuant to this Act. its introduction. If any such committee fails be considered in the House that receives it (b) GRANTS FOR CONDUCTING REFERENDA to report the bill within that period, that otherwise than on final passage under sub- AND VOTER EDUCATION.—From amounts made committee shall be automatically discharged paragraph (B)(ii) or (iii); and available under subsection (a)(1), the Gov- from consideration of the legislation, and (B)(i) the procedure in the House that re- ernment of Puerto Rico shall make grants to the legislation shall be placed on the appro- ceives such legislation with respect to such the State Elections Commission of Puerto priate calendar. legislation that was introduced in that Rico for referenda held pursuant to the (c) CONSIDERATION.— House shall be the same as if no legislation terms of this Act, as follows: (1) After the 14th legislative day after the had been received from the other House; but date on which the last committee of the (1) 50 percent shall be available only for (ii) in the case of legislation received from costs of conducting the referenda. House of Representatives or the Senate, as the other House that is identical to the legis- the case may be, has reported or been dis- (2) 50 percent shall be available only for lation as engrossed by the receiving House, voter education funds for the central ruling charged from further consideration of such the vote on final passage shall be on the leg- legislation, it is in order after the legislation body of the political party, parties, or other islation of the other House; or qualifying entities advocating a particular has been on the calendar for 14 legislative (iii) after passage of the legislation, the days for any Member of that House in favor ballot choice. The amount allocated for ad- legislation of the other House shall be con- vocating a ballot choice under this para- of the legislation to move to proceed to the sidered as amended with the text of the leg- consideration of the legislation (after con- graph shall be apportioned equally among islation just passed and shall be considered the parties advocating that choice. sultation with the presiding officer of that as passed, and that House shall be considered House as to scheduling) to move to proceed to have insisted on its amendment and re- (c) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.—In addition to to its consideration at any time after the quested a conference with the other House. amounts made available by this Act, the third legislative day on which the Member (2) Upon disposition of the legislation de- Puerto Rico Legislature may allocate addi- announces to the respective House concerned scribed in subsection (a) that is received by tional resources for administrative and voter the Member’s intention to do so. All points one House from the other House, it shall no education costs to each party so long as the of order against the motion to proceed and longer be in order to consider such legisla- distribution of funds is consistent with the against consideration of that motion are tion that was introduced in the receiving apportionment requirements of subsection waived. The motion is highly privileged in House. (b). the House of Representatives and is privi- leged in the Senate and is not debatable. The (e) Upon receiving from the other House a The CHAIRMAN. Before consider- motion is not subject to amendment, or to a message in which that House insists upon its ation of any other amendment, it shall motion to postpone, or to a motion to pro- amendment to the legislation and requests a be in order to consider Amendment conference with the House of Representa- ceed to the consideration of other business. number 3 printed in the RECORD, which A motion to reconsider the vote by which tives or the Senate, as the case may be, on the disagreeing votes thereon, the House re- shall be preceded by an additional pe- the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall riod of general debate confined to the not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the ceiving the request shall be considered to have disagreed to the amendment of the subject of that amendment. That de- consideration of the legislation is agreed to, bate shall not exceed 1 hour, equally the respective House shall immediately pro- other House and agreed to the conference re- ceed to consideration of the legislation with- quested by that House. divided and controlled by the gen- out intervening motion (exception one mo- (f) DEFINITION.—For the purposes of this tleman from New York (Mr. SOLOMON) tion to adjourn), order, or other business. section, the term ‘‘legislative day’’ means a and a Member opposed. day on which the House of Representatives (2)(A) In the House of Representatives, dur- Consideration of Amendment number ing consideration of the legislation in the or the Senate, as appropriate, is in session. 2 printed in the RECORD shall be pre- Committee of the Whole, the first reading of (g) EXERCISE OF RULEMAKING POWER.—The the legislation shall be dispensed with. Gen- provisions of this section are enacted by the ceded by an additional period of gen- eral debate shall be confined to the legisla- Congress— eral debate confined to the subject of tion, and shall not exceed 4 hours equally di- (1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power that amendment. That debate shall not vided and controlled by a proponent and an of the Senate and the House of Representa- exceed 30 minutes, equally divided and opponent of the legislation. After general de- tives and, as such, shall be considered as part controlled by the gentleman from New of the rules of each House and shall super- bate, the legislation shall be considered as York (Mr. SERRANO) and a Member op- read for amendment under the five-minute sede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent therewith; and posed. Amendments specified in section rule. Consideration of the legislation for 2(a) and 2(b) of House Resolution 376 amendment shall not exceed 4 hours exclud- (2) with full recognition of the constitu- ing time for recorded votes and quorum tional right of either House to change the shall be considered read and shall not calls. At the conclusion of the bill for rules (so far as they relate to the procedures be subject to a demand for division of amendment, the Committee shall rise and of that House) at any time, in the same man- the question. Consideration of each of report the bill to the House with such ner, and to the same extent as in the case of those amendments and any amend- amendments as may have been adopted. The any other rule of that House. ments thereto shall not exceed 1 hour. SEC. 7. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE previous question shall be considered as or- During consideration of the bill for dered on the legislation and amendments REFERENDA. thereto to final passage without intervening (a) IN GENERAL.— amendment, the Chair may accord pri- motion, except one motion to recommit with (1) AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS DERIVED FROM ority in recognition to a Member offer- or without instructions. A motion to recon- TAX ON FOREIGN RUM.—During the period be- ing an amendment that he has printed sider the vote on passage of the legislation ginning October 1, 1997, and ending on the in the designated place in the CONGRES- shall not be in order. date the President determines that all SIONAL RECORD. Those amendments (B) In the Senate, debate on the legisla- referenda required by this Act have been will be considered read. tion, and all amendments thereto and debat- held, from the amounts covered into the able motions and appeals in connection treasury of Puerto Rico under section The Chairman of the Committee of therewith, shall be limited to not more than 7652(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of the Whole may postpone a request for 25 hours. The time shall be equally divided 1986, the Secretary of the Treasury— any recorded voted on any amendment between, and controlled by, the majority (A) upon request and in the amounts iden- and may reduce to a minimum of 5 leader and the minority leader or their des- tified from time to time by the President, minutes the time for voting on any ignees. No amendment that is not germane shall make the amounts so identified avail- able to the treasury of Puerto Rico for the postponed question that immediately to the provisions of such legislation shall be follows another vote, provided that the received. A motion to further limit debate is purposes specified in subsection (b); and not debatable. (B) shall transfer all remaining amounts to time for voting on the first question (3) Appeals from the decisions of the Chair the treasury of Puerto Rico, as under current shall be a minimum of 15 minutes. relating to the application of the rules of the law. It is now in order to debate the sub- Senate or the House of Representatives, as (2) REPORT OF REFERENDA EXPENDITURES.— ject matter of the amendment offered Within 180 days after each referendum re- the case may be, to the procedure relating to by the gentleman from New York (Mr. the legislation described in subsection (a) quired by this Act, and after the end of the SOLOMON). shall be decided without debate. period specified in paragraph (1), the Presi- (d) CONSIDERATION BY OTHER HOUSE.—(1) If, dent, in consultation with the Government The gentleman from New York (Mr. before the passage by one House of the legis- of Puerto Rico, shall submit a report to the SOLOMON) and a Member opposed, each lation described in subsection (a) that was United States Senate and United States will control 30 minutes. introduced in that House, that House re- House of Representatives on the amounts ceives from the other House the legislation made available under paragraph (1)(A) and The Chair recognizes the gentleman described in subsection (a)— all other amounts expended by the State from New York (Mr. SOLOMON). H792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- we be able to not proceed under the 5- Mr. GUTIERREZ. Reserving the man, I and the gentleman from Califor- minute rule, but to divide the time right to object, Mr. Chairman, I would nia jointly would like to control the re- equally 15 minutes for the substitute like to sit down and let the Members maining 30 minutes in opposition to be and 15 minutes opposed. We could have figure out the rest of it. My only con- equally divided. done this in the rule, but we did not do cern is that because of the gentleman’s Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, re- it because we wanted to get the unani- ranking and seniority here that I be al- serving the right to object. mous consent on the floor. lowed, if the gentleman just says, The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- ‘‘Congressman, I will make sure you from California (Mr. MILLER) would man, will the gentleman yield? get your 10 minutes,’’ and the gen- have priority recognition. He could get Mr. SOLOMON. I yield to the gen- tleman will allow me, and I will limit unanimous consent to give half of his tleman from California. my perfecting amendment to 10 min- time to the gentleman from Indiana. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- utes, and then we can proceed with the Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- man, my understanding is there may rest of this. The gentleman’s word is man, I ask unanimous consent to do be additional amendments. So the per- very valuable to me, and I will just that. son who offers a perfecting amendment take that. Then I can sit down and let The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection or whatever to the gentleman’s amend- these gentlemen figure out the rest of to the request of the gentleman from ment to the substitute would get time, it. California? I assume, to explain their amendment Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- Mr. SOLOMON. Reserving the right or something. man, as I understand it, we are going to object, Mr. Chairman, to whomever Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, con- to be under the 5-minute rule which is making the unanimous consent re- tinuing my reservation of objection, I would govern the time distribution; is quest here, I would not object when the yield to the gentleman from Illinois that correct? time comes, but there will be, as I un- (Mr. GUTIERREZ) for some input on this The CHAIRMAN. As of now, that is derstand, an amendment offered by the subject. correct. gentleman from Indiana, an amend- Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- ment, a substitute to my amendment. believe I have the only other amend- man, should we ask unanimous consent If we are going to give unanimous con- ment. I have a perfecting amendment. that each one of the amendments, since sent to manage the time jointly, I Obviously the Burton substitute would there is only two, be given 15 minutes would like to ask unanimous consent go first, but I have a perfecting amend- for each amendment for debate, equal- that I be able to claim the time in op- ment. So if we could reach an agree- ly divided among proponents and oppo- position to the gentleman’s substitute ment so that my perfecting amend- nents? I will make a unanimous con- to my amendment. ment would get 10 minutes of time, I sent request to that effect. The CHAIRMAN. The Chair has not would not ask for an extraordinary The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman may determined at this point how that amount of time, so that I could have make that request by unanimous con- amendment is going to be considered. the perfecting amendment and reserve sent. That amendment may be debated under at least 10 minutes of time outside of Mr. MILLER of California. Reserving the 5-minute rule within the time the gentleman’s hour that he already the right to object, currently under the limit. has. Then we could all have a unani- rule there will be 1 hour on the amend- Mr. SOLOMON. The problem is, we mous consent, and I think we might be ments to Solomon; is that correct? would like to have Members in opposi- able to figure this out. Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, will tion and for the amendment and not go Mr. SOLOMON. Continuing my res- the gentleman yield? into the 5-minute rule. ervation of objection, might I inquire Mr. MILLER of California. I yield to PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES of the Chair whom would be recognized the gentleman from New York. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- first to offer an amendment either in Mr. SOLOMON. Under the rule there man, I have a parliamentary inquiry. the form of a substitute or a perfecting would be 1 hour of general debate on The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will amendment to my amendment? the Solomon amendment before it is state it. The CHAIRMAN. The Chair would called up. After the 1 hour has expired, Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- not wish to anticipate recognition at then I would call up the amendment man, I just wanted to ask of the Chair this time. The Chair would grant rec- and then it would be subject to amend- how the time on my amendment, when ognition to the Member that would rise ment by the two gentlemen. it comes in order, will be divided and first and seek recognition and if both Mr. MILLER of California. With 1 how it should be divided? rise, grant priority of recognition to hour of total time to all amendments? The CHAIRMAN. As of now, it will be the appropriate Member. Mr. SOLOMON. That is correct. considered under the 5-minute rule. Mr. SOLOMON. Would it not be done PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I have a par- by seniority, Mr. Chairman? Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- liamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman. The CHAIRMAN. The Chair would man, I have a parliamentary inquiry. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will obviously take into account seniority The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will state it. and committee membership. state it. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. May I make a man, we are discussing the amendment withdraw my reservation of objection. suggestion to all my good friends. Why of the gentleman from New York under We will cross that bridge when we do we not begin the debate, general de- 1 hour of the rule. The time should be come to it. bate, and then let us work out the divided equally between the gentleman PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES timeframe of the amendments that will from New York (Mr. SOLOMON) 30 min- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- be offered. utes and the gentleman from California man, I have a parliamentary inquiry. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman (Mr. MILLER) 30 minutes, yielding 15 The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will from New York (Mr. SOLOMON) will be minutes to the gentleman from Indi- state it. recognized for 30 minutes, and a Mem- ana; is that correct? Mr. BURTON of Indiana. A perfecting ber opposed will be recognized for 30 The CHAIRMAN. That could happen. amendment, Mr. Chairman, precedes minutes. Once the amendment is pending, we the determination of an amendment. A The Chair recognizes the gentleman may then proceed under the 5-minute substitute comes after the amendment from New York (Mr. SOLOMON). rule. or at the end of the amendment proc- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. SOLOMON. Reserving the right ess. Am I not correct? myself such time as I may consume. to object, Mr. Chairman, that would The CHAIRMAN. The two amend- From the very beginning our Nation take unanimous consent, and that is ments may be pending at the same has recognized that the prosperity of why I am reserving the right to object, time. the people of America depended on because when the Burton amendment Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I thank the their continuing firmly united, and the is offered, I would ask agreement that Chair. wishes and the prayers and the efforts March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H793 of our best and wisest citizens have Therefore, we as the Federal Govern- provisions will guarantee current and been constantly directed to that ob- ment must do everything we can to future generations of Puerto Rico un- ject. These are the words of the wisdom promote and to enhance the ability of fettered access to the tools with which of The Federalist papers of John Jay, all Americans no matter what their to successfully assimilate into this our country’s first Chief Justice of the heritage to read, to speak and under- Union of ours, should they choose to Supreme Court. stand this language of opportunity. become a State at a later date. Justice Jay went on to say, I have Based on this visionary premise dur- Today can be a historic day, my col- often taken notice that providence has ing the 104th Congress, the House of leagues, a day in which Congress not been pleased to give this one connected Representatives voted, and the gen- only debates the future political status country to one united people, a people tleman from California (Mr. of 3.8 million U.S. citizens, but also a descended from the same ancestors, CUNNINGHAM) will speak to that in a day which will focus and strengthen speaking the same language, attached minute, voted 259 to 169 in favor of the those things which unite us as a Nation to the same principles of government, bill which declared English the official and which expand the horizons of op- very similar in their manners and their language of the United States. How- portunity for all our citizens. customs, and who, by their joint coun- ever, the provisions of this bill before This is an amendment of oppor- cils and arms and efforts, fighting side us today undermine the principles of tunity, my colleagues. It is a vision of by side throughout a long and bloody that empowerment act, and they deny unity and compassionate measures. It war, have nobly established their gen- opportunities to the children and the deserves all of America’s support, from eral liberty and their independence. people of Puerto Rico, make no mis- the young dairy farmer in Argyle, New That is the history of our country. take about it. Furthermore, this bill York, to the logging family in Olym- Based on this premise, for the past does not address how the omission of pia, Washington, to the schoolteacher two centuries we have forged a Nation Puerto Rico as an official Spanish in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I urge my out of our different peoples by empha- State would affect English as the offi- colleagues to support my amendment. sizing our common beliefs, our com- cial language of the United States Gov- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance mon ideals and, perhaps most impor- ernment. Nor does it protect the rights of my time. tantly of all, our common language. of English-speaking Americans in Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- Our English language has permitted Puerto Rico or the rights of the chil- man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- this country to live up to our national dren of Puerto Rico to learn English. tleman from Texas (Mr. EDWARDS). motto, E Pluribus Unum, which means These are crucial, important ques- Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chairman, what out of many, one. tions to answer because according to Mr. Chairman, it is in this spirit that America needs is English plus, not the 1990 U.S. census, and this is so im- English only. What America needs is to I offer the English language empower- portant, less than 24 percent of the U.S. ment amendment to the U.S.-Puerto teach English, not preach it. What citizens in Puerto Rico speak English America needs is to respect diversity, Rico Political Status Act. In short, fluently, while 98 percent do actually this amendment is based on two very not divisiveness. The last time I visited speak Spanish. All children in the pub- the Statue of Liberty, that eloquent simple principles. It is based on unity, lic schools are taught only in Spanish and it is based on opportunity. My de- lady did not say ‘‘Spanish-speaking from kindergarten through the high people not accepted here.’’ votion to unity and the English lan- school, while English is taught as a The blood spilled and lives lost by guage is premised on the belief that second language. our strength in unity can best be pre- thousands of Spanish-speaking Amer- b served through the prevention of divi- 1415 ican veterans has not been limited to sions along linguistic or cultural lines. To correct these weaknesses of the English only, and it is wrong to deny Such cultural divisions have been en- underlying bill, my amendment basi- those veterans the very rights for countered by Canada with Quebec and cally does two things, and this is ex- which they fought. Whether intended could be with the U.S. and Puerto Rico actly what it does: or not, this debate on English only is today. First, it replaces the language in this divisive and insults the culture of mil- Now, what do I mean by this division bill, the nebulous language policy lions of Hispanic Americans, Asian of linguistic lines? These divisions are which states that ‘‘English is the com- Americans, Korean Americans and oth- not between people, but they are be- mon language of mutual understanding ers. tween opportunities. Americans who do in the United States.’’ It replaces it Mr. Chairman, the brightest days of not know English are segregated. They with the clearer and simpler statement America’s history have come when we are segregated from those who do, sep- that ‘‘English is the official language were inclusive, when we added women arated from everything the United of the Federal Government,’’ applica- and racial and religious minorities to States and its precious Constitution ble to the entire Nation, as done in the the rights enumerated in our Declara- stands for. Empowerment Act in the last Congress tion of Independence and Constitution. A reaffirmation of English as the of- which overwhelmingly passed this The darkest days of America’s history ficial language is absolutely necessary House with strong Republican and have come when we excluded our citi- to demonstrate that the Federal Gov- Democratic support. zens from full participation in our de- ernment’s goal is to desegregate all Secondly, it addresses Congress’ fun- mocracy; for example, when black vet- Americans. This is because America is damental responsibility to ensure that erans were allowed to die for the very composed of people who have for cen- any State meet certain standards and freedoms they were denied right here turies pulled themselves up by their provide certain fundamental rights and at home. I hope this will be a bright bootstraps with courage and a vision to protections. In 1845 and again in 1911 day for all of America’s citizens, not a pursue the opportunity that America our United States Supreme Court held dark day that will turn us backwards has to offer. Consequently my amend- that Congress may require a new State into a quagmire of divisiveness. ment is intended to ensure that no to meet certain standards before it The 3 percent of American citizens American citizen, no matter what their would be admitted. As a result, my that do not speak English, many of cultural background, no matter wheth- amendment tailors the statehood bal- them seniors living with their children er they live in Puerto Rico or Iowa, has lot to reflect this national official in their homes, hardly pose a threat to to be trapped in a linguistic box, kept English policy. It states that the Con- the greatest democracy in the history away from those tools of opportunity. gress expects that a future State of of the world. If Hispanics and other This is the land of opportunity and Puerto Rico would promote English as Americans, such as Korean Americans the land of language, the land of oppor- the official language of the State gov- in my district, are willing to work hard tunity and English. There should be no ernment, of its courts and agencies, and pay taxes and serve us in uniform, ambiguity about this fact. The usage and that English would be the language then surely we should show them the and understanding of English is the of instruction in public schools but brightest, the best of America today. key to economic and educational op- would not bar the teaching of Spanish Vote ‘‘no’’ on the Solomon amend- portunity in this country of ours. in those same public schools. These ment. H794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield Federal Government across the Nation. We should be in the country, instead 5 minutes to the gentleman from Lou- Not just in Puerto Rico, across the Na- of trying to impose English, promoting isiana (Mr. LIVINGSTON), one of the tion. the learning of English by providing Members of this body that has been Under Solomon, Puerto Ricans may opportunities to learn English, provid- harassed by Members in his own party freely speak Spanish at home or any- ing more opportunities for people who and Members on both sides of the aisle where they please, but the State of understand the language and to speak but is one of the real stand-up Members Puerto Rico will promote English as it and to write it. That is what this in this House. the official language of the State gov- should be all about, not about trying to Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I ernment, of the courts, of the agencies, impose. This is not a dictatorship. This thank my friend for yielding me this and in the schools teaching in English is a democracy. Let us not belie what time. The other gentleman from Lou- will be mandated in public schools. we are. isiana was disappointed the gentleman This will make citizens of the island Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- was not speaking about him. He full and equal partners in America in a man, I yield myself such time as I may thought and I thought the gentleman fashion our Founding Fathers envi- consume. from New York was speaking about sioned and it will make them produc- The CHAIRMAN. Is the gentleman him. tive citizens of the United States of from Indiana using the time of the gen- Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong America. tleman from New York? support of the amendment by the gen- I urge the adoption of the Solomon Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- tleman from New York, the Solomon amendment and the defeat of all the man, I have 15 minutes, and the gen- amendment to H.R. 856, the United perfecting and the substituting amend- tleman from California (Mr. MILLER) States-Puerto Rico Political Status ments which will delete it and attempt has 15 minutes in opposition. That is Act. Regardless of how we feel about to nullify the provisions of the Solo- what was decided. the ultimate bill, the fact is that this mon amendment. English is the Amer- The CHAIRMAN. The Chair’s under- bill’s current provision on English is ican language. standing is the gentleman from Indiana weak and inadequate and needs to be Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- was going to make that unanimous strengthened. H.R. 856 says that man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- consent request. English will be the common language tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, we of mutual understanding in the United BARCELO´ ). have no objection. States. That means really nothing. Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- The CHAIRMAN. But as of now, we Common language is not an official man, right now, in Puerto Rico, more are under the 60 minutes divided for language. people are watching this C–SPAN on a the underlying subject. That facts are that less than half of per-capita basis than in any State of Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- all the citizens of Puerto Rico can the Nation. That belies the statements man, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. speak English. Less than half can that have been made here that the peo- BURTON) has 15 minutes of our 30 min- speak English. And according to The ple of Puerto Rico do not understand utes because the gentleman from New New York Times, fully 90 percent of English. York (Mr. SOLOMON) withdrew his ob- the island’s 650,000 public school stu- More than about 50 percent of the jection. dents lack basic English skills by the people know and understand English. The CHAIRMAN. The Chair had made time they graduate. If Puerto Rico be- Twenty-five percent are proficient in an announcement that the hour would comes a State, this situation will be in- English. But how many children are be divided 30 minutes and 30 minutes tolerable. A youngster growing up in proficient in English when they grad- under the rule. The Chair would now Puerto Rico will speak Spanish, will uate from high school in the 50 States entertain a unanimous consent request not speak English. And, in my opinion, of the Nation? There is a very low pro- to further divide the time. a youngster growing up in the United ficiency in English from graduates in Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- States needs to speak the common lan- the 50 States. But all of those people in man, I ask unanimous consent that 15 guage. Puerto Rico, if they cannot under- minutes of the time allocated to me If my wife and I take a child to Spain stand, they have somebody in their under the rule be allocated to the gen- and raise the child in Spain, we will family or a friend that is translating tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) at raise the child speaking Spanish so what is going on here, and they know this time. that he can communicate, or she can what is going on. The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection communicate in the language of the When they say that in order to vote to the request of the gentleman from Nation. We will not expect Spain to that we have to be proficient in California? teach our kid English if we are going to English, my God, why was that not de- There was no objection. live in their country. Likewise, we cided when we were granted citizen- The CHAIRMAN. The Chair recog- ought to expect people growing up in ship? A person who asks for naturaliza- nizes the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. this Nation to speak English so that tion, he takes a test in English. Now, 95 BURTON.) they can communicate for their own percent of the people of Puerto Rico Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- good and become productive citizens. can pass that test without any prob- man, I yield myself such time as I may Our common language is the tie that lem; that is a citizenship test. consume. binds us all. The motto of this Nation, So the test that we give people who Mr. Chairman, I am one of the 165 co- ‘‘E Pluribus Unum,’’ ‘‘out of many, ask for citizenship has less require- sponsors of H.R. 123, which was a bill to one,’’ should remind us that we are a ments than what we are trying to re- declare English as the official language Nation of different peoples and cultures quire in this amendment from the peo- of the Government of the United but we are united. The ability to com- ple of Puerto Rico who have been citi- States. I strongly believe that that is a municate in a common tongue is the zens since 1917, for 81 years, who fought good piece of legislation. key to success that unites us in our de- together, who worked together to However, after having said that, I do mocracy. make this Nation what it is today. not believe that that particular piece We see in Canada that different lan- They fought in the foreign soils defend- of legislation belongs in this bill. This guages can seriously impair the unity ing the right to self-determination. bill is a bill that is designed to give the of a nation, and that nation is about to They say, oh, this bill tells the peo- people of Puerto Rico the right to let come apart at the seams because they ple of Puerto Rico the wrong things. It the Congress of the United States know speak a different language. does not allow the people of Puerto whether they want to be an independ- The Solomon amendment is only Rico to understand that they must ent nation, whether they want to re- common sense. By establishing English speak English. We know we must speak main a Commonwealth, or whether as the official language of the Federal English. Everybody in Puerto Rico they want to become a State. Government, the Solomon amendment knows that. We know that English is It does not mean that they will be- will make it perfectly clear that the language of the world. What is any- come a State, because any decision English will be the language of the one here afraid of? that they make in this referendum will March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H795 have to come back to the Congress of are citizens of the United States of and practice. It says that we must do the United States for final determina- America. We are not talking about to Puerto Rico that which we did not tion. And the process is going to take some country out there in the middle do to the Scandinavian and German about 10 years if the process is followed of nowhere. Those people have citizen- Midwest territories to achieve state- according to the legislation that we ship already. For us to deny them the hood, to superimpose a language re- have before us. ability to decide whether they want to quirement and condition statehood So the fact of the matter is this bill be a commonwealth or if they want to consideration upon what is in essence is designed to find out what the people become independent or a State I think the denial of that heritage, culture and of Puerto Rico really want. is just dead wrong. history. Vote no on this Solomon Why are we doing this, because there Let us not muddy up the waters by amendment. was a plebiscite in Puerto Rico just a adding the Solomon language to this, This Solomon amendment is big govern- few years ago? A few years ago, there which is a pervasive issue. He is talk- ment, and big brother, at its worst. was a plebiscite; and each of the par- ing about English for the entire United This Solomon amendment would require the ties, the Commonwealth party, the States of America. We are talking statehood party, and the independent English language to be the official language of about a plebiscite bill for Puerto Rico. all government functions in the United States. party were able to define for them- Let us decide the Puerto Rico issue selves what Commonwealth meant, It is possible that, if the current version of this with the amendment that I am going legislation passes, the people of Puerto Rico what statehood meant, and what inde- to add which will encourage English as pendence meant. Because of that, the will vote to join the Union as the 51st state the language down there, proficiency and that the Congress would respond by en- people of Puerto Rico, when they by the age of 10. And then later on if we voted, were voting based upon the de- acting legislation which would grant Puerto want to, let us go back to the English- Rican statehood. What this amendment re- termination that was being made by only bill that we had before this body the party who wanted their vote. quires, then, is that English will be the official some time ago and debate that as a language of Puerto Rico. English would be the What we decided to do was, we de- separate issue, but not on the Puerto cided to find out from leading legal au- official language in all of the affairs of state Rico bill. government, including teaching in public thorities what statehood meant, what Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance Commonwealth meant, and what inde- schools. Supporters of this amendment say its of my time. passage will empower the citizens of Puerto pendence meant so that the people of Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- Puerto Rico, when they voted on the Rico. Their goal is the ``long term assimilation man, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- plebiscite, would be voting on the facts of Puerto Ricans into American society.'' tleman from Minnesota (Mr. VENTO). and not on what some party said. (Mr. VENTO asked and was given Now that may seem to many upon its face We have contacted the legislative permission to revise and extend his re- to be a pretty laudable goal. The problem is counsel of the Congress of the United marks.) that the main supporter of this legislation, Mr. States for their input. We have con- Mr. VENTO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in ROMERO-BARCELO, is deeply opposed to such tacted the Congressional Research strong opposition to the Solomon a provision. The Congressional Hispanic Cau- Service for their input. We have con- amendment. It is a clear example of a cus opposes it as well. They say, and I agree, tacted the Department of Justice of solution to a problem that does not that this amendment is unnecessary, ineffec- the United States for their input, and exist. It may seem to some that this tive and divisive. other constitutional experts. requirement is a laudable goal but the It's unnecessary because English and Span- What we have determined in this bill fact is that the proponents of this bill, ish have been the official languages of Puerto is what is constitutionally defined as the delegations and so forth that sup- Rico since 1902. To put that into perspective, statehood, independence, and Common- port it, are against this amendment. It STROM THURMOND was born way back in wealth status. is an unnecessary, ineffective and divi- 1902. Furthermore, H.R. 856 already has a b 1430 sive amendment. provision highlighting the importance of And so the people of Puerto Rico, It is unnecessary because English and English as a common language. H.R. 856 when they vote on this plebiscite, will Spanish have been the official lan- states, and I quote, ``English is the common be voting on what the facts are and not guages of Puerto Rico since 1902. To language of mutual understanding in the what some party says in Puerto Rico put that in perspective, STROM THUR- United States, and that this policy shall apply who has a reason to define their party MOND was born way back in 1902. That in all of the states.'' This is all that is needed in a certain way. The Commonwealth is a long time ago. Furthermore, this to accomplish the stated goal of the Amend- Party, in the definition that was on the bill already has a provision highlight- ment proponents. plebiscite a few years ago, was not de- ing the importance of English as a The Solomon amendment iteration of this fined correctly. What we are doing is common language. It states, and I matter is ineffective because far from empow- clarifying that in the language that is quote, ‘‘English is the common lan- ering people, it would make government in in this bill, that will go on the ballot if guage of mutual understanding in the Puerto Rico work far less efficiently. Around we pass this legislation. United States, and that this policy half of all people in Puerto Rico over the age Like I said earlier, I am for the shall apply in all of the States. That is of five are bilingual. That means the other half English legislation that was before this all that is needed to accomplish the don't speak English or Spanish. Passing this body some years ago. I was a cosponsor stated goal of the Solomon amend- amendment means that this close to 50% of of that. I do not believe the Solomon ment’s proponents.’’ people will not be able to vote because they amendment as written has any place in Furthermore, of course, our Nation is won't understand the English-only ballots. this legislation. Because there is some a melting pot. My grandparents were of They'll have some trouble in courts of law, be- confusion about this, this is becoming German and Italian ancestry. I am cause they won't be able to understand the an English-only bill, which it should proud of my parents and the wonderful proceedings. They'll have one heck of a time not be. heritage we share. But I am and we are trying to file Federal taxesÐwhich is, as we all I have a perfecting amendment or a all Americans, and as such I believe the know, pretty complicated even if you know the substitute amendment which will, ef- strength of our Nation is derived not English language. And they may not even be fective immediately, allow for English from laws that mandate our American able to speak with 911 operators in emer- proficiency in Puerto Rico by the age patriotism and demand our fidelity but gencies. That doesn't sound like empower- of 10. I think that the people of Puerto from core values and common beliefs ment to me, Mr. Chairman. That sounds like a Rico, when they read the substitute that define and guide our rights and re- bad idea. that I have, will be very happy with sponsibilities. Whatever language we Now the one thing you hear people who that because it encourages learning speak, write or think in, our freedom support this amendment say again and again English in all the schools and all the and liberties are not bound by but is that H.R. 856 will create an American Que- institutions down there by the age of rather transcend the limits and the bec. Quite the contrary, it would be the Solo- 10. We think that that will happen. boundaries of such language. mon amendment that creates a situation simi- Let me just add one more point. That The Solomon amendment strikes at lar to that which has ripped Canada apart in is, the people of Puerto Rico already the core value of such American belief recent years. The lesson from Canada should H796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 be that you should never, ever legislate a lan- particular issue. Quebec has been men- small percentage of the group that are guage requirement. Far from creating an at- tioned. I am not going to let the gen- opposed to this would say no. But we mosphere that would ease assimilation, this tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) give do not have that. I ask my colleagues amendment would create an atmosphere of di- me any more golf bags after this, but I to take a look at that. vision, suspicion and mistrust. would say that if he wants to encour- I would say, Mr. Chairman, as I men- Finally, as we approach the 21st Century, age them to learn English, if we ask tioned, the bill by both sides of the multilingualism is something we need to en- the people of Quebec and encourage aisle has been represented well with courage. As the reach of the global economy them to learn English instead of the issues. I thank my colleagues for increases, the ability to speak more than one French, look at the problems they have that. But this is more serious than language will be an important and marketable had, it would not happen. I think it most bills we have coming up here. I skill. If this bill passes, and citizens of Puerto takes stronger. think that is the reason we have given Rico choose to join the Union as the 51st Mr. Chairman, I was disappointed in it so much time. Give yourself the state, their impressive ability to use English the minority leader at his representa- time, look at the issues on both sides and Spanish will be something we could all be tion of the English provision in this. of it, and I think you will not support proud of and respect, not denigrate. Let me tell my colleagues why. First of the bill and you will not support the America is a melting pot. My grandparents all, there were 259 votes. I went from substitute but you will support the were German and Italian, and I am proud of the very extreme portion of a bill as Solomon amendment. my parents and the wonderful heritage we all chairman of the committee and down Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- share. But I am and we are all Americans, and to the lower portions and moderated man, I yield myself 1 minute. as such I believe that the strength of our na- the bill to where even States had the First of all let me point out to my tion is derived not from laws that mandate our right, after this body had said English colleague from California, the people of American patriotism and demand our fidelity, is the common language of our govern- Puerto Rico are citizens of the United but from core values and common beliefs that ment, that each individual State had a States. They already are citizens. He define our rights and responsibilities. What- right to change that. It gave them that says if they want a bite of the Amer- ever language we speak, write or think in, our option. There was no mandatory thing ican dream. They already are Ameri- freedom and liberty are not bound by but rath- there. I thought that that was very cans. The only problem is they are er transcend the limits, the boundaries of such fair. I think that is why we got such bi- Americans without representation. They do not have any Congressmen. language. The Solomon amendment strikes at partisan support for it. I think the mis- They do not have any Senators. They the core value of such American belief. It says representation was not well proposed do not have any representation in this that we must do to Puerto Rico that which we in the bill. didn't do to the Scandinavian and German I think another big issue, it fails to body. Yet they are American citizens. Midwest territories to achieve statehood: su- follow the precedents of other U.S. ter- They are like orphans out in a storm perimpose a language requirement and condi- ritories that joined the Union, Hawaii, walking around saying, ‘‘Where are my tion statehood consideration upon what is in Alaska, with the great percentages. parents?’’ It does not make any sense. This plebiscite is an advisory plebi- essence the denial of a heritage, culture and They really want it. It should be some- scite, I will say to my colleague from history. This amendment results in a price we thing very special to the great major- should not place on statehood. Join me in op- California. This is an advisory plebi- ity of a country. Puerto Rico, as the scite. What is he afraid of? All we are posing the Solomon amendment! gentleman said, they feel they are a Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield asking for is an opinion from the peo- country. It should be the great expec- 5 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- ple of Puerto Rico on what they want. tation of a great majority of that fornia (Mr. CUNNINGHAM), the sponsor If they come back and only 51 percent group before they become an American of the official English bill that passed say that they want statehood or they citizen. I do not want another Quebec this House overwhelmingly with bipar- want commonwealth, we decide in this tisan support 2 years ago. here. I do not want in Puerto Rico that body whether or not we want to pro- Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, kind of division and that divisiveness. I ceed any further. I think if it was that one thing I think the members of Puer- think that that is a legitimate issue. close, we probably would not. But let to Rico will see, I think this is one of They said it is a poison pill. The us say they come back and that 70 per- the most healthy debates that I have former Governor of Arkansas had a bill cent want statehood and only 10 per- seen on this floor in 7 years. It is issue- similar to this, Governor Clinton, 23 cent or 20 percent want common- oriented. I have got conservatives for States in our Union. That is not ex- wealth. At that point I think that we and against, I have got liberals for and treme, as the minority leader said. I as a body ought to make that deter- against, and each with individual ideas. just think if we are going to speak, I mination. I commend both sides of this. think we need to speak not disingen- But make no mistake about it, these I did not have time to speak on the uously but purport what the bill says. are American citizens without rep- floor. I would like to speak to the It is English as a common language, resentation in the Congress of the amendment but I would also like to not English only. United States, and that is wrong. speak to the bill. When I was in the Philippines, the Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to Teddy Roosevelt, Rough Rider, San Philippines was going to have Tagalog the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. ABER- Juan Hill, and yes, many, many mem- as its official language. I recommended CROMBIE). bers from Puerto Rico have shed their to President Ramos that that was a Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Chairman, I blood to support democracy and fight disservice because it has no root in am speaking on the time of the gen- communism and socialism around the math or science. I speak a little Taga- tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON). I world just like many Americans have. I log. They would do themselves a dis- am speaking from the majority side of think you know how most of us feel service internationally. the aisle because I am speaking on his about that. I went to Vietnam. They are carrying time. I am looking at the gentleman I would also say that the people, now computers, they are learning English from California (Mr. MILLER) right now nearly 4 million Puerto Ricans, have and they are studying business because who is smiling at me, and trying to get voted on several occasions on these they understand. That is all we are over the hush that came over the issues. I know for me, and I will say asking for Puerto Rico, that they do crowd as someone moves to this side. I this and I will give you my support, it that. Instead of speaking Spanish first am looking for the gentleman from is not required by Congress that they in their classrooms and English second, Alaska (Mr. YOUNG), my very able vote on what their determination it should be turned around, if they chairman. wants to be. If you have at least two- want a bite of the American dream. I I point that out because this is a non- thirds instead of 50 plus one on a very think that is very, very important. partisan issue and is being cast, I am important issue like this, this gen- I would ask my colleagues, think very sorry to say, in somewhat par- tleman will support it, but not on a 50 carefully about this. If we can have a tisan terms, not necessarily by party plus one vote. vote from Puerto Rico, where the ma- but partisan terms, as if there is a I think if we look, the Puerto Rican jority of them say we want to be an right side and a wrong side. As the gen- people themselves are divided on this American citizen, I think only a very tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H797

BARCELO´ ) has indicated, as the gen- the integrity of our language; it is, in- unique obligations we have to Native tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) has deed, others who have concerns. Americans. indicated, as the gentleman from Cali- We, as I said earlier in this debate, Again, asking the gentleman from fornia (Mr. MILLER) has indicated, and who support so strongly the principles California, was it the intention of the the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. of the Helsinki Act, have advocated in gentleman from New York (Mr. SOLO- YOUNG), what we are trying to do here country after country after country MON) to protect the various obligations today is to aid and assist, as Members that they give to people within their of our native people? of the House of Representatives, the country respect of their cultural and Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, if self-determination of fellow citizens. their national identities. Of course, the gentleman will yield further, it was The gentleman from Indiana (Mr. language is a critical component of the full intention to protect Native BURTON) has been adamant on this. I do that. American languages, as these sovereign not think we are going to find a more The Soviet Union, my friends will re- tribes have a unique relationship with partisan person in the House with re- call, tried to have everybody speak the Federal Government. Unfortu- spect to the question of English and its Russian on the concept that if every- nately, the Parliamentarian ruled that being used as common language body spoke Russian, there would be a adding these sections would not be ger- throughout the United States. But that sense of unity within the Soviet Union. mane to the bill we are debating. I look issue will be debated in another venue, But that unity was at the point of a forward to working with the gentleman at another time. sword. It will not get you what you in seeing that the Native American What we are talking about here is want. languages are protected as the bill something that I ask Members, as a Mr. Chairman, I urge support of the works its way through the legislative representative from the last State to substitute, and opposition to the Solo- process. come into the Union. We have only mon amendment. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- been a State for 38 years. We have been Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. FARR). a State for less years than many people yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Chair- in this body have been alive and serv- Arizona (Mr. HAYWORTH) for the pur- man, I was sitting in my office listen- ing in public office. pose of entering into a colloquy with me. ing to this debate, and really the ques- b 1445 Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Chairman, I do tion is what does the 105th Congress So it is very, very particularly poign- rise for the purpose of entering into a have to fear? It really sounds like two ant in some respects to me today to colloquy with the gentleman from Cali- things. First of all, we are fearful of Puerto stand here as someone who was not fornia (Mr. CUNNINGHAM), who will be Rico having an election, which is es- born in Hawaii and has the privilege to speaking for the sponsor of the amend- sentially a public opinion election. serve in Hawaii. ment, the gentleman from New York I was born in the east of the United Since when did Congress fear elections? (Mr. SOLOMON). The other thing we have is we are States, in Buffalo, New York, in the First let me compliment my friend fearing people that speak other lan- area represented by the gentleman from New York for introducing this im- guages. Why? One hundred four ses- from New York (Mr. PAXON) today. It portant amendment. This amendment sions that went before us did not fear never occurred to me that one day I will save precious taxpayer dollars, that. In fact, our forefathers who ad- would have the privilege and honor of while reaffirming that English should mitted Louisiana, New Mexico, Okla- standing in the well of this House to be the official language of the govern- homa and Hawaii, allowed those states serve the people not only of Hawaii, ment. A common language of govern- to come in and protected the rights of but of the United States of America. ment is essential to our health as a Na- those people to speak French, Spanish, That will happen in Puerto Rico. We tion. Native American and Hawaiian, Aloha, cannot determine ahead of time what Let me turn to the gentleman from a language that everybody uses in busi- is going to happen there. The conven- California (Mr. CUNNINGHAM). It is my ness. tional wisdom, as some will recall, understanding it was the intention of What about our forefathers who re- when Hawaii and Alaska came into the the gentleman from New York (Mr. built this room we are all sitting in, in Union, was that Hawaii would be a Re- SOLOMON), the author of this amend- 1949 and 1950. If you look around, there publican State, and, indeed, we elected ment, to include the entire text of H.R. are 23 lawgivers that we respect. These a Republican Governor in our very first 123, the Bill Emerson English Language are the people who historically gave us State election, and that Alaska would Empowerment Act of 1997, as this the under-law for American law. These be a democratic State. amendment. Is that correct? were the lawmakers, lawgivers, as we As you know, that has worked dif- Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, call them. There are 23 of them. Only ferently. We have had Republican of- will the gentleman yield? three of them spoke English, and one of fice holders here, we have had Demo- Mr. HAYWORTH. I yield to the gen- those, Thomas Jefferson, also spoke cratic office holders here. This is not a tleman from California. French. partisan issue. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, it Mr. Chairman, what are we afraid of? Mr. Chairman, I appeal to my Repub- was the intention of the gentleman Defeat this amendment and pass the lican friends, please, take into account from New York (Mr. SOLOMON) to in- bill. that our fellow citizens are merely ask- clude the text of H.R. 123 in this Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I ing for the opportunity to determine amendment. yield two minutes to the gentleman their future. Join Democrats and Re- Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Chairman, re- from South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM). publicans all together and vote for the claiming my time, as the gentleman Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Chairman, I thank bill and against this particular amend- knows, I worked with the authors of the gentleman for yielding me time. ment. H.R. 123 to include certain sections of Mr. Chairman, I know this is an emo- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- the bill that recognize the unique sta- tional issue to many folks. The com- man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman tus of Native Americans under our monwealth status of Puerto Rico has from Maryland (Mr. HOYER). Constitution and various treaties. Sec- been a long-standing status and it con- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chairman, I thank tion 167 of H.R. 123 explicitly states, fers upon its people certain rights of the gentleman for yielding me this ‘‘Nothing in this chapter shall be con- citizenship. time. strued to limit the preservation or use This body is about to take it to a new Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposi- of Native Alaskans or Native American level. I do not believe the American tion to the Solomon amendment and in languages as defined in the Native people are any closer to understanding strong support of the substitute lan- American Languages Act.’’ Section 169 this issue than when we started. It is guage. of the bill further states that the meas- taking everybody in the country by Mr. Chairman, English is fast becom- ure does not apply to ‘‘the teaching of surprise. ing the language of the world. It is not these languages.’’ These provisions It is a big deal to me. I think we are we English speakers who need to fear were added at my behest to protect the rushing into it. But if we are going to H798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 do it, we need to recognize certain Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- Why not be fair? Why single Puerto things. man, I yield myself 11⁄2 minutes. Rico out? If it decides to become a Three out of four people in Puerto Mr. Chairman, earlier in the debate State and if we allow it to become a Rico are not fluent in the English lan- the gentleman from California (Mr. State, it shall be governed by the law guage, and we are setting in motion CUNNINGHAM) got up and spoke about of the land. Everyone knows that. But the possibility of Puerto Rico becom- his legislation dealing with English as why single it out now? Why try to ing a State in a couple or three years. an official language. The point was make a statement that is unfair and a The legislative affairs of the Com- made that all states would be treated statement that is not necessary? monwealth of Puerto Rico are con- the same, and the states had a right to The issue on the whole is one that is ducted in Spanish. The Federal Court change some requirements under the not necessary. Everyone knows that system requires that jurors speak 10th Amendment, should they decide to everyone learns to speak English both English to sit as jurors, but the State do so. in Puerto Rico and here. As an His- court system, or the equivalent there- The problem with the Solomon panic American, a Latino and Puerto of, is conducted in Spanish, so if any- amendment is that in fact in this legis- Rican, I can tell you, we do not go body finds themselves in Puerto Rico lation it treats Puerto Rico differently around spending time figuring out how as a State, chances are you are going than any other State in the Union, be- not to learn English. Do I not sound to be tried in a language you do not un- cause it goes on and declares that like a person who tries every day to derstand. English is the official language of the What the gentleman from New York improve on the language? I am going to United States. But it then goes on to get it right one of these days. (Mr. SOLOMON) is trying to do is bring say the people of Puerto Rico can only unanimity to the 50 or 51 states, saying This is a bad amendment, and it communicate with the Federal Govern- should not be here. the common language that unites us is ment in English and that the Federal English, and it would apply to all Let me close with this: When Latinos Government can only communicate or Hispanics sit around the dinner states, not just the Commonwealth of with the people of Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico. table and the issue of language comes English. up, it is never a plot against the If we are going to go down this road, This means if you are a DEA agent, English language. we certainly need this piece of legisla- you can only speak English if you are tion. But I believe it is ill-advised to do engaged in an activity. If you are the b 1500 this without the goodwill of the Amer- FBI, you can only speak English if you It is usually a lament about the fact ican people behind us and without ex- are engaged in an activity. If you are actly understanding where the people that the children and the grand- engaged in a search and rescue and the children no longer speak Spanish. So of Puerto Rico are. people do not speak English, you can I do not understand why we are doing with that recognition, what is the fear? only speak to them in English. Let us go forward. Let us allow this it, but if we are going to do it, the I do not think that is what we want English component of the Solomon bill to take place. Let us make this to do. There is a legitimate debate to vote possible. amendment is essential to integrating be had under the Cunningham legisla- Puerto Rico into the United States in a Let us not muddy the waters any tion. We had it two years ago. I suspect more. Let the people of Puerto Rico, viable way. When 3 out of 4 people can- we will have it again before this year is not speak English, that is a road map the Puerto Rican people, have a vote out. That would apply to all of the for disaster, if you are going to be a on this issue. Let us not single them states equally and the states would re- part of the United States. out for anything that you do not single Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- tain their rights. other States out for. But the Solomon amendment goes far man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I beyond those requirements and singles from Rhode Island (Mr. KENNEDY). yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from out Puerto Rico for special burdensome Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. California (Mr. BILBRAY). treatment. People can only write to Chairman, I rise in strong opposition Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I rise their member of Congress, should they to this English only amendment. The in support of the Solomon amendment. choose statehood and have Members in gentleman from New York says that we I would like to clarify an issue. The mi- the Congress of the United States, they need this amendment to empower the nority leader, the gentleman from Mis- could only write to them in English. It citizens of Puerto Rico to be full and souri (Mr. GEPHARDT) stated that we would be against the law to write to equal partners in this Union. have never placed any language condi- them in Spanish or in another lan- What will empower the people of tion on any territory that was consid- guage. It would be against the law to Puerto Rico to be full participants in ering statehood. petition the President of the United this Union is if we get about voting I want to clarify that that is false, States or the Congress in any other this bill through and allowing them the that in fact in 1811 Congress specifi- right to finally have self-determination language. That is not true anywhere else in this country. cally required that Louisiana adopt on the island, so that they can have all English as the official language of the rights and privileges of their Amer- We ought to make sure that if we deal with this issue, that we treat all their proceedings, of all government ican citizenship status which they are writings, and all government functions. currently denied because they are of the states on an equal footing. This says if Puerto Rico becomes a state, it They not only required Louisiana in under Commonwealth status, which, if 1811 to do it, they required Oklahoma I need to remind Members, means they would be singled out for much more and New Mexico to specifically have to are under the territorial clause of the burdensome treatment than the gen- teach in English as a primary lan- United States. eral debate on English as an official Ironically, we could pass English language. guage. In fact, Arizona was required to only requirements for the people of Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- guarantee that its executive and legis- Puerto Rico under the current terri- man, I yield two minutes to my good lative officials would conduct business torial status, because that is our friend, the gentleman from New York in the English language. power. If they become a State, which I (Mr. SERRANO). So let us not talk about singling out hope they will, they will retain the Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, let me anyone. The fact is this has a histori- 10th Amendment power to decide what first say that I rise in strong opposi- cal record that says that when the their own language will be. tion to the Solomon amendment and in issue of language has become a ques- So it is interesting. If they become a favor, strong support, of the substitute tion, English is the common language State, they will be able to decide for language. of these United States; that has been themselves; if they remain a Common- Let me say that the gentleman from clarified by Congress again and again, wealth, it is up to us to decide what Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is very coura- and has been placed as a requirement their language is going to be. geous in taking this stance. He sup- on any territory wishing to gain state- Vote against the Solomon amend- ports English only, but he knows it hood that they must, too, adopt ment, and vote for the passage of the does not belong in this bill. That is English as their official common lan- bill. what this issue is all about. guage. March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H799

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the fact I also join with my colleague, the ginia, Mr. BOB GOODLATTE, a distin- that the gentleman from Illinois and gentleman from New York (Mr. guished member of the Committee on the gentlewoman from New York pro- SERRANO) who says he is working every the Judiciary. posed a substitute to the substitute, day to speak English, and so am I, to Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I which really shows where some people improve on our use of the language. thank the chairman for yielding time may be coming from on this issue. But I will never speak English like to me, and for his leadership on this That is, their substitute to the sub- they do in New York or Boston or even issue. stitute says let us make Spanish the other parts of our country. Mr. Chairman, it has been said that official language of Puerto Rico. I oppose the Solomon amendment the Solomon amendment is not con- I think what we are saying is let us and support the substitute amendment. stitutional. Nothing could be further be up front about it. We should clarify To make English our official language from the truth. Let me read right from to the people of Puerto Rico that part limits our Nation. English is our offi- the language of the amendment. It of the transition from territory to cial language. It is our common lan- says, ‘‘English is the official language State is going to be transition from guage. We always have used English. It of all business and communication of Spanish to English. That is de facto. did not take a law in this Congress to the Federal Government of the United Let us do it up front, be truthful to the do that. It has not taken 200 years to people of Puerto Rico, let us not prom- States, and all communications with do it. We do it because we want to. the Federal Government will be in ise them State and local government To file a document in court in the English unless generally applicable we cannot deliver. United States, or a public record, it has Federal law provides otherwise.’’ The fact is the assimilation of any to be in English or an English trans- territory into the greater Union is lation. Our citizenship ceremonies are Puerto Rico as a State promotes going to happen not just politically but in English, even though we did have English as the official language of the culturally, socially, and linguistically. one aberration of a Federal judge doing State government, courts, and agen- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- it in Arizona. But it has to be in cies. English is the language of instruc- man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- English, by statute. tion in public schools. This is not a tleman from Guam (Mr. UNDERWOOD). Furthermore, English only is unwar- mandate, this is similar to what we Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I ranted because two of our States, New have required of Louisiana, Oklahoma, thank the gentleman for yielding time Mexico and Hawaii, have two official and other States in the past, and it is to me. languages. In Hawaii it is English and simply not correct that this is inappro- Mr. Chairman, I stand in support of Hawaiian, and in New Mexico it is priate. the substitute and in opposition to the English and Spanish. I hope the Puerto In the last Congress, this body over- Solomon amendment. We are making a Rican voters would choose statehood whelmingly passed similar language to language issue out of a self-determina- and integrate English into their lan- apply to the entire country, and should tion issue. do so with regard to Puerto Rico today. People understand that the use of guage. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- English is the language used by our English in Puerto Rico is something man, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- government. It is the language of com- that is essential to understand here. tleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS). merce, and it is the common language But there is no one that I know of that Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Chair- of the overwhelming majority of the does not want to learn English to fully man, I want to thank my friend and function in American society. There American people. colleague for yielding time to me. Language differences are the number are very few people in Puerto Rico that Mr. Chairman, this is a bad amend- I know of who do not want to learn one barrier to full assimilation, and ment. We do not need it. English is the Puerto Rico is certainly no exception. English. In fact, in Puerto Rico there is predominant and common language of a clear educational policy which fos- According to the 1990 U.S. census, less this Nation. English is used in govern- than 24 percent of Puerto Ricans speak ters English, and indeed, English can ment and courts throughout Puerto be used for official purposes. If Puerto English fluently, and a 1997 survey Rico. We must encourage everyone to found that 76 percent of Puerto Ricans Ricans choose statehood under this speak English, but we must not dis- framework, those policies would be think it unacceptable to have English criminate against those who speak strengthened. I think this is under- as their official language. It is no coin- other languages. cidence, therefore, that a recent poll stood and acceptable. Puerto Ricans are citizens of the But what is not acceptable is to concluded that only 16 percent of Puer- United States. We must not deny the allow Puerto Ricans the right to self- to Ricans consider themselves to be people of Puerto Rico their heritage. determination and in the same process Americans. They contribute to the diversity and to decide in advance of their choice richness of our country. This amend- Before the people of the United that they not be treated the same way ment will make government more dif- States accept Puerto Rico into their as other States. ficult. It will make communication Union, they expect the people of Puer- The Solomon amendment tries to use to Rico to want to be a part of it. Make the language issue to deliver a blow to more difficult. Mr. Chairman, we should encourage no mistake, H.R. 856 will create an the possibility of Puerto Rican state- American Quebec. If Puerto Rico gains hood by putting a restriction on their everyone to learn English, but we should not deny Spanish-speaking statehood under this bill, it is likely to possible admission, which other States declare Spanish as the official lan- have not had in their history. The Bur- Americans their tradition. English is the primary language of our Nation. In guage, which could then force the U.S. ton substitute is a responsible, coher- Government to make Spanish the ent, moderate statement about the re- almost every corner of the world English is the language of inter- quasi-official language to accommo- alities of American life, the necessity date the needs of Puerto Ricans. of English, but also recognizes that the national affairs, of international poli- Not only would this significantly un- tolerance of differences is a corner- tics and business. We do not need this dermine the long-term assimilation of stone of American democracy, that amendment. This amendment tells our Puerto Ricans into American society, education is better than coercion, that citizens, deny your heritage, forget knowing more is better than knowing your roots. That is the wrong message but it would also increase the pressure less, that addition is better than sub- for a great Nation, for a great people, a for the rest of the United States to be- traction, that knowing more languages proud people to send. come officially bilingual. is not un-American. Let us embrace diversity and learn Language is the common bond that Thank you, all of you. from each other. This is how we have holds our Nation together. A common Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- grown and prospered as a great Nation language allows the children of Vir- man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman and a great people. I urge all of my col- ginia to communicate with and learn from Texas (Mr. GREEN). leagues, Democrats and Republicans, from the children of California. With- Mr. GREEN. I thank the gentleman to vote no on the Solomon amendment. out this amendment, the same will not for yielding me the time, Mr. Chair- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield be true for the children of Puerto Rico. man. 3 minutes to the gentleman from Vir- Without this amendment, children will H800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 never have the opportunity to partici- Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, Committee on Education and the pate fully and equally with their fellow I rise in support of the Solomon Workforce that has jurisdiction over citizens. amendment. the English language issues, and a very Mr. Chairman, pro-statehood forces Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Solo- valuable Member of this body. have stated on many occasions that mon English Language Empowerment Amend- Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Chairman, I thank their language and culture are not ne- ment. The English language portion of 856 is the distinguished chairman of the Com- gotiable. Congress is not asking anyone meaningless. The Solomon amendment will mittee on Rules and sponsor of this to negotiate away their culture, but clarify this vague language by designating amendment for yielding time to me. the Constitution grants Congress the English as the official language of the United Mr. Chairman, let me say first of all, power to determine the rules for state- States; requiring that English be the sole offi- I support the right of Puerto Rico resi- hood, and that Constitution was estab- cial language of all federal communication in dents, American citizens, to have self- lished to create a more perfect Union, Puerto Rico and; making English the official determination, to choose statehood not a more divided Nation. language of state government courts and over the current status as a Common- We must make clear that Puerto agencies; making English the language of in- wealth. But I believe as a condition of Rico must be prepared to be an equal struction in public schools. statehood those voting in any kind of partner. Support the Solomon amend- Americans speak English. Many Americans referendum or plebiscites should ac- ment and oppose the Burton sub- speak more than one language. In fact, many knowledge and accept English as the stitute. of my colleagues on both sides of the isle are official common and commercial lan- If Congress passes H.R. 856 without this bilingual. But everyone in this chamber under- guage of our country. amendment, we will embroil ourselves in a di- stands the importance of speaking English. In I have a little bit different perspec- visive debate that will last for years to come. fact, I believe that every member in this House tive on this issue, as the chairman of When we welcome a new state into our great who would be called upon to counsel a foreign the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, union, we should do so by building bridges speaking immigrant, would tell them that the Youth and Families. My concern is that unite us, not roads that divide us. Puerto most important thing that this immigrant could twofold: too often bilingual education Rico statehood without English as the official do to begin to assimilate and become suc- fails our young people, and the alarm- language is a bad idea that is sure to create cessful in America is to learn English. ing dropout rate of Hispanic students tension between the states, enormous admin- If Puerto Rico became a state, the citizens in America. istrative nightmares, and huge costs to the of Puerto Rico would send to us Representa- Too many of our young people are American people. Our states are united, and tives and Senators. Now Puerto Ricans might not getting the education and the job they should remain so. The American people be given a choice between candidate A who training that they need to live success- do not want, and cannot afford, another Que- doesn't speak English and candidate B who is ful and productive adult lives, to take bec. bilingual. Hopefully, they would elect the bilin- advantage, if you will, of all these I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the Sol- gual candidate. The business of this body and high-tech jobs that our economy con- omon amendment. the business of America is conducted in tinues to create every day. For them, Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- English. the have-nots of tomorrow, it is a per- man, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- Currently, in America, you can go from state sonal tragedy. For our country it is a woman from New York (Ms. to state and understand the laws, the govern- very serious, it is a very real challenge, VELA´ ZQUEZ.) ment, the courts, from New Hampshire to Ha- because we need a skilled work force to (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ asked and was waii. This notion would fundamentally change remain competitive. given permission to revise and extend if Puerto Rico were to be admitted without the I mentioned the bilingual education. her remarks.) Solomon Amendment. Puerto Rico conducts The statistics are appalling. One-third ´ Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I its official business in Spanish. This is even of all Hispanic students nationwide, ac- rise in strong opposition to the Solo- after 100 years of influence by the United cording to the U.S. Department of Edu- mon amendment. This amendment States. Puerto Ricans are essentially saying cation’s own report, drop out, and that would outlaw elected officials from that we do not recognize America. We do not figure is closer to 50 percent in my communicating with their constituents want to assimilate. We want to be Puerto home State of California. In fact, if in Spanish. It will hamper the efforts Rico, and we want to be Spanish. Members really want to boil the debate of Federal agencies to collect taxes, in- Mr. Chairman, 63% of Puerto Ricans can't down, last year only 6.7 percent of lim- form citizens of their rights, and en- recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Sixty Six per- ited English proficient students in sure due process, and it will endanger cent do not know the words to the Star Span- California public schools have learned lives by making illegal anything but gled Banner. This makes sense when you enough English to move into main- English to be used, even by police de- learn that only 16% of Puerto Ricans consider stream classes. partment and paramedics responding themselves to be American. By themselves, We have the largest school district in to life-threatening situations. these polling numbers don't trouble me. I don't the State, the Los Angeles School Dis- This amendment is guaranteed to want to force anyone to be American who trict, suing the Governor because the make government inefficient and inef- doesn't want to. However, just as Puerto Governor wants to administer tests in fective and jeopardize the civil rights Ricans have every right to maintain their reading, writing, and math to all stu- of some of society’s most vulnerable Spanish heritage and their Spanish language, dents in the second through 11th members. so too does America have every right to main- grades, but only in English. I represent one of the highest non- tain its English language tradition. This is a b 1515 English-speaking populations in the fundamental building block of our nation, and country. Under the Solomon amend- the basic fiber that binds this great country to- Bilingual education is too often a ment, I will be barred from commu- gether. failure. It does not promote a transi- nicating with the people of the Twelfth Mr. Chairman, English has been and hope- tion to English fluency, but it traps District of New York in a second lan- fully always will be the common link between youngsters in a dependency on non- guage. This will keep me from doing the melting pot of cultures in our nation. We English languages and special help. what they elected me to do. This have many different cultures in our nation, ‘‘Bilingual’’ has become a misnomer. amendment is divisive and unneces- from the woods of Maine to the shores of the English as a second language should sary. It does not belong on this legisla- Pacific north west, from 10,000 lakes of Min- not mean second-class citizenship. tion. nesota to Georgia's Golden Isles. The cul- Mr. Chairman, I urge Members to Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield tures, the religions, the traditions vary as support the Solomon amendment, and such time as he may consume to the greatly as the miles. Yet, the English language let us reform bilingual education. gentleman from Georgia (Mr. BOB binds these people together in a proud tradi- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- BARR), a distinguished member of the tion that we have come to know, as being man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman Committee on the Judiciary. American. from Pennsylvania (Mr. GEKAS). (Mr. BARR of Georgia asked and was Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Chairman, when I given permission to revise and extend 2 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- served in the Armed Forces, I was sta- his remarks.) fornia (Mr. RIGGS), chairman of the tioned for a while in Puerto Rico. I was March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H801 eager to learn Spanish so that I could probably would not be so bad. It would cropping up like in Canada and across communicate with the people of Puerto be at least a relevant debate. But this the world. Rico. So I walked into a restaurant, amendment is not limited to Puerto Mr. Chairman, I can tell my col- after studying my Spanish to an n’th Rico. This amendment really has no leagues that if we have that up front, degree, and I said proudly, after I saw place in this debate. everybody knowing it, it is better. My a picture of a hot dog on the back of This amendment is an issue which great-grandmother was German and the counter, ‘‘Hagame el favor de should have been debated on its own, she never learned to speak English. She darme un perro caliente.’’ And so the not on this bill. The Solomon amend- was at a disadvantage her whole time youngster looks at me, turns around to ment’s purpose is to kill the bill. That in this country, and I think we need to the cook and says, ‘‘One hot dog with is its purpose. start with English first. everything.’’ We can debate the issue of Puerto Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- The point is that he knew English. Rico’s ability to determine its future man, will the gentleman yield? That he knew that I knew English. He outside of that. The substitute allows Mr. GOODE. I yield to the gentleman was helping me with my Spanish, but I us to do that. When we want to, we can from Indiana. learned that first lesson there, that talk better requirements for statehood, Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- most of the people either speak English requirements for issues on Puerto Rico man, I would just like to know what in Puerto Rico or want to speak outside of the requirements for the en- language the gentleman from Virginia English in Puerto Rico. tire country. That is what the debate speaks. He sounds like he is from down Our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico in needs to be about. South some place. time will be 100 percent able to speak Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues Mr. GOODE. Mr. Chairman, it is English. By that time, they will blend on both sides of the aisle to vote ‘‘Southern’’ English. in perfectly to our English language strongly in favor of the substitute and Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, how customs for the entire country. against the Solomon amendment, and much time does the gentleman from In- Mr. Chairman, I support the sub- to give the people of Puerto Rico the diana have remaining? stitute. opportunity to decide their own future. The CHAIRMAN. One-quarter of one Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- minute. man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield from Rhode Island (Mr. WEYGAND). from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ). 15 seconds to the gentleman from Indi- (Mr. WEYGAND asked and was given Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I ana (Mr. BURTON) out of the goodness permission to revise and extend his re- rise in strong opposition to the Solo- of my heart. marks.) mon amendment. I think we have Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Chairman, I rise heard here time and time again that man, I reserve the balance of my time. today in opposition to this amendment. when called to duty, drafted, called to Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield I remember talking with my grand- serve, there is no litmus test, there is 2 minutes to the very distinguished parents about their parents who came no test of language for people. Indeed, gentleman from California (Mr. ROHR- to this country from Ireland and Ger- the 65th Infantry served with distinc- ABACHER). many. And many of my colleagues’ an- tion and honor and valor in the Korean Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Chairman, cestors came from Portugal or France conflict, and almost everybody spoke I rise in support of the Solomon or from other places where they really one language as the troops were or- amendment. This bill is aimed at ad- learned what it was that was great dered into battle, and that language mitting a State to the Union that is about this country. was Spanish. overwhelmingly populated by Spanish- We never required them to come into We should not raise this as an issue speaking people who have a proud cul- this country and learn English before here today. The language of the people ture and are proud of their language they got here. What they came for was of Puerto Rico is Spanish. We should and view themselves as a separate na- the great thing that they saw in this respect that. tion. country: the opportunity for them and Just as I have said before, it would be The people of Puerto Rico have no in- their children to have a better world. detrimental, it would be detrimental to tention of giving up their language or They learned English because they attach to statehood an English lan- their culture or their Olympic teams or wanted to learn English, not because guage requirement, because then peo- their Miss Universe contestants, and the Congress told them they had to. ple who would want to become a State there is no reason they should have to Our children today are all over the would say, well, I cannot accept it that give these things up if they do not world on computers. Businesses are all way. It is wrong. want to become part of a State, resi- over the world. Do my colleagues know We understand what the language of dents of a State of the Union. what the common language is? English. our people is. Look in Puerto Rico However, if they expect to be resi- The Congress did not have to tell them today. From kindergarten through 12th dents of a State of the Union and to be that it should be English. They learned grade of high school, English is taught, Americans first, they must speak the it. They made it that way. but people have preserved their Span- common language and English is the Yet this Congress sees fit here today ish language. Let us respect them. common language; and to become part to try to impose something they have Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- of our culture, not to maintain their never imposed upon any other State, man, how much time do I have remain- separate culture, to root for our Olym- making sure that English is the official ing? pics team and have our Miss Universe language. It is unnecessary. It is an im- The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman contestant as their contestant. position that should not be condoned. from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) has one- Mr. Chairman, I support the Solomon We should vote down this amendment. quarter of 1 minute remaining. English language amendment to this Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- Mr. BURTON on Indiana. Mr. Chair- bill because it takes the appropriate man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman man, I reserve the balance of my time. steps to put Puerto Ricans on notice from Florida (Mr. DEUTSCH), my good Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield that statehood means becoming part of friend. 1 minute to the gentleman from Vir- our Nation and no longer being part of Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I ginia (Mr. GOODE), an outstanding a separate culture and a separate na- think it is important to point out that Member of this body on the other side tion, especially as reflected by a sepa- this is a bipartisan issue in terms of of the aisle. rate language. people rejecting the Solomon amend- Mr. GOODE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in We should make sure that no one is ment and supporting the substitute. support of the Solomon amendment be- fooled into thinking that the United Mr. Chairman, I wish the gentleman cause I fear a Quebec-type situation in States is becoming a bilingual society, from California (Mr. RIGGS) was still this country. Now is the time to estab- a bilingual Nation trying to accommo- here just in terms of responding to his lish English as the official language. If date itself to this nation within a na- comments. If the amendment was just we do that in this bill and if we follow tion. And that nation within a nation, what the gentleman said he wanted, it suit in 123, we will not have problems there are people there who believe in H802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 independence. In the past we remember mitted into the family, not 50 percent, English fluently. The enhancement of when there were independence people 60 percent, but 100 percent of the people English as the official language of Puerto who violently wanted independence for of Puerto Rico will feel that they are Rico is consistent not only with this state- Puerto Rico. part of the Nation. ment of policy, but also with the preserva- tion of our Nation’s unity in diversity and The fact is they have a proud culture PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY the prevention of divisions along linguistic and a proud nation. They are not part Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I have lines. Proficiency in the English language is of the United States unless they are a parliamentary inquiry. necessary for all citizens to enjoy the full willing to become part of the United The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will rights and benefits of their citizenship as States. state it. guaranteed by the Constitution and to con- Mr. Chairman, H.R. 856 is wrong for Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, is tribute most effectively to the Nation in all the people of Puerto Rico and it is aspects. Conducting the business of Federal there no further time outstanding and State governments in English is the best wrong for the people of the United other than mine? States. ‘‘E pluribus unum.’’ We are one way to promote efficiency and fairness to The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman may every citizen. Only proficiency in English people and that is fine. Let us be one close debate. can provide all Americans the enjoyment of people. But if a people expect to be part Mr. SOLOMON. And the Chairman is the rights and benefits of full participation of the United States, they should be recognizing me for that purpose? in the American economy and union. part of the United States. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman is Strike subsection (b) of section 3 and in- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- correct. sert the following new subsection: man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman (b) OFFICIAL LANGUAGE.—The official lan- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield guage of the Federal Government is English. from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- myself such time as I may consume. ´ The legislature of Puerto Rico has estab- BARCELO) to close our side on this de- Mr. Chairman, I urge Members to lis- lished a bilingual policy by making both bate. ten to this in their offices. If the Solo- Spanish and English official languages of Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- mon amendment is defeated, or if the Puerto Rico, but has continued to operate its man, I yield 30 seconds to the gen- Solomon amendment is watered down government solely in Spanish, as the major- tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- and this bill becomes law and Puerto ity of the people in Puerto Rico are not pro- BARCELO´ ), the balance of my time, so Rico becomes a State, any citizen of ficient in English. In the event that the referenda held under this Act results in ap- that the gentleman will have 11⁄2 min- the State of Puerto Rico can bring an proval of a request to Congress that Puerto utes to close. action against the United States of The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman Rico be admitted to the Union as a State and America Government or against any the Congress approves such statehood, 1 from Puerto Rico is recognized for 1 ⁄2 one of the other 50 States and demand English will be the sole official language of minutes. all Federal Government activities in Puerto ´ bilingual equal treatment under the Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Chair- Equal Footing Doctrine. Members bet- Rico and, unless otherwise provided by gen- man, if the English-first or English- ter think about that when they cast erally applicable Federal law, all commu- only amendment were really meant to their votes in half an hour from now. nications with the Federal Government by be for improvement of the bill, at least the Government or people of Puerto Rico Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- will be in English. This Act, the procedures we could understand it. But the ance of my time. English-first supporters have distrib- authorized by this Act, and the possible ac- The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to section cession of Puerto Rico to statehood do not uted a paper here where it says even if 2(a) of House Resolution 376, it is now create or alter any rights of a person to gov- this bill passes, this amendment in order to consider Amendment No. 3 ernment services in languages other than passes, that Members should vote printed in the Congressional RECORD. English. against H.R. 856. In other words, they Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I ask In section 4(a), strike paragraph (7) of sub- are against the bill and this amend- paragraph C of the referendum language and unanimous consent that the hour of de- insert the following new paragraph: ment is being used merely as a way to bate on the Solomon amendment, the put a poison pill on the bill. ‘‘(7) English is the official language of all Gutierrez amendment thereto, if of- business and communication of the Federal In Puerto Rico, as I have said over fered, and the Burton substitute, if of- Government of the United States and all and over again, we are not rejecting fered, be divided and controlled as fol- communications with the Federal Govern- English. We are embracing English. We lows: 30 minutes to the gentleman from ment will be in English unless generally ap- were the first jurisdiction to approve plicable Federal law provides otherwise. New York (Mr. SOLOMON), 6 minutes to Puerto Rico, as a State, promotes English as English as an official language in 1902, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. but we also want Spanish as an official the official language of the State govern- GUTIERREZ), 12 minutes to the gen- language. Both languages. We want to ment, courts, and agencies. English is the tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON), and be bilingual. What is wrong with that? language of instruction in public schools.’’. 12 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- Strike subparagraph (C) of section 4(b)(1) This morning, earlier today, we had fornia (Mr. MILLER), subject to equi- and insert the following new subparagraph: the gentleman from Illinois saying table reductions, if necessary, to re- (C) Additionally, in the event of a vote in that in Puerto Rico the movies were main within the 1 hour of consider- favor of United States sovereignty leading to dubbed. The majority of the movies statehood, the President shall include in the ation permitted under this rule. I think shown in Puerto Rico are not dubbed. transition plan provided for in this Act that this is an agreed-to unanimous consent They are in English and the movie the Federal and State governments imple- request. houses are full. ment programs and incentives to promote The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection At the Blockbusters, the majority of the acquisition and usage of English by the to the request of the gentleman from citizens of Puerto Rico, including but not the films that are rented out are not New York? limited to, teaching in English in public subtitled and neither are the movies There was no objection. schools, the availability of fellowships and subtitled. And in Puerto Rico the peo- scholarships to increase the opportunities of AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. SOLOMON ple who are watching these proceedings the people of Puerto Rico to learn to speak, now on C-SPAN understand what is Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I offer read, write, and understand English, and the going on. an amendment. provision of educational instruction in As the gentleman said a little while The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- English to persons not in schools. ago, when he asked for the ‘‘perro ignate the amendment. AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. GUTIERREZ TO caliente,’’ that is one of the problems The text of the amendment is as fol- THE AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. SOLOMON that people who go to Puerto Rico to lows: Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I learn to speak Spanish have. The Puer- Amendment No. 3 offered by Mr. SOLOMON: offer an amendment to the amendment. to Ricans speak English. At the end of section 2, add the following The Clerk read as follows: Mr. Chairman, they say Puerto paragraph: Amendment offered by Mr. GUTIERREZ to Ricans do not feel that they are a part (16) In 1996, the United States House of the amendment offered by Mr. SOLOMON: Representatives overwhelmingly declared In the amendment proposed to section 4(a) of a Nation. We have to take a look at that ‘‘the official language of the Federal of the bill, in lieu of the text proposed to be that. Why is that? There are 50 stars, Government is English’’. According to the inserted as paragraph (7) of subparagraph C not 51 stars. We still have not been ad- 1990 United States Census, less than 24 per- of the referendum language, insert the fol- mitted into the family. Once we are ad- cent of the citizens of Puerto Rico speak lowing: March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H803 ‘‘(7) Spanish is an official language of The CHAIRMAN. The time has been is the case, they will have to make Puerto Rico and its only vernacular lan- allocated pursuant to the unanimous- their argument in Spanish because the guage and as such is the official language of consent request that was agreed to ear- majority of the people of Puerto Rico business and communication— ‘‘(A) in the State government, courts, lier. do not speak English. And why should schools, and agencies; and Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- they? The fact is that our culture, our ‘‘(B) in Federal courts and agencies when man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- history, our essence is rooted in the such courts and agencies are acting in or tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- Spanish language. More than that, it is with regard to Puerto Rico.’’. BARCELO´ ). the language of the legal system, the ´ b 1530 Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Chair- Commonwealth Government and all man, I rise in opposition to this amend- Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I non-Federal official business. If the ment submitted by the gentleman from yield myself 2 minutes and 30 seconds. supporters of this bill really respect Mr. Chairman, this bill is supposed to Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ) because this the people of Puerto Rico, they will be about self-determination. Self-deter- amendment is intended to be a poison support this amendment which makes mination should be informed. The pill against those that are for the bill. Spanish the official language of Puerto Statehood Party in Puerto Rico has It is supposed to be intended as a poi- Rico. promised statehood. This means that son pill, because in Puerto Rico the law Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I under statehood, Puerto Rico gets to is that both English and Spanish are yield myself such time as I may con- keep its culture and its language, and I official languages, and you can have sume. agree with the gentleman from Puerto documents in English, and the agencies I will close by making the following in Puerto Rico are by law obligated to Rico (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ ) that that arguments. I think they have not been is the kind of statehood that we should give those documents in English if a refuted here today. In a book written have. citizen requests for those documents in in 1978, Statehood is for the Poor, writ- As a matter of fact, and I quote from English. You can register property and ten and authored by the Resident Com- a book, Statehood is for the Poor, pub- deeds drafted in the English language. missioner of Puerto Rico, the gen- lished in 1978 by the current Resident So what has been said here is not tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- Commissioner, the gentleman from true. We want to maintain that right BARCELO´ ), he stated clearly and un- Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ ): of all citizens to have their documents equivocally that language and culture Our culture and our language are not and their business with government are nonnegotiable. negotiable. transacted in either Spanish or Now, when the campaign goes to That is published in Statehood is for English. Those that do not understand Puerto Rico, I want to make sure that the Poor by the Resident Commis- will be provided with a translation. We if that is what they are saying to the sioner. And I believe that the people of will provide people to translate their people of Puerto Rico, that that is Puerto Rico have come to understand business for them. This would be an what this Congress is guaranteeing and to accept that that is the way that imposition upon Puerto Rico and will them. Let us not let them be under any statehood would be proposed and that be against the laws of Puerto Rico. illusions about what is going to be. their culture and their language would The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Since that is exactly what has been be something that is protected. GUTIERREZ), who lives in Chicago and proposed by the Statehood Party and Puerto Rico has spoken Spanish for would like to have independence, now repeated so many times, I want those over 500 years. When I get to Puerto he is acting like a colonial power im- statehooders who have applauded, who Rico and see my parents, we speak in posing laws in Congress that would re- have cheered, who have cherished Spanish. When I go to a courtroom in peal the laws that we have, that would statehood and want to preserve their Puerto Rico, it is in Spanish. When I amend the laws without the people of language and culture, to have exactly register a deed, it is in Spanish. When Puerto Rico voting for it, without the what they have demanded and asked a police officer pulls somebody over for legislature participating. We oppose and rallied for. So, therefore, in the going a little too quickly, the citation this amendment very strongly. name of self-determination, I ask that is in Spanish, and the subsequent sen- Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I this amendment be adopted so that we tencing, I assure my colleagues, is in yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman respect the wishes of the Statehood ´ Spanish, and you better have a lawyer from New York (Ms. VELAZQUEZ). Party. We should do no less. Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I that can speak Spanish. Mr. Chairman, I ask for a recorded rise in strong support of this amend- When you to go school and you grad- vote on this perfecting amendment and ment. Mr. Chairman, this amendment uate, your diploma is printed in Span- make a point of order that a quorum is will make Spanish the official lan- ish. Every record, including your birth not present. guage of Puerto Rico. It will protect certificate, is in Spanish. Spanish is The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the what already exists. If supporters of the language of the people. unanimous-consent request, debate will this bill are voting for self-determina- Are we talking about civil rights? take place on all three of the amend- tion for the Puerto Ricans, they will Let us not talk about imposing another ments that are being discussed, and support allowing them to speak their language. Go to Puerto Rico today. Go then they would be held. to the Veterans Administration or So- own language. They will support allow- PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY cial Security Administration office in ing them to do business and operate Puerto Rico today, and everyone will their courts as they have for almost 500 Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I speak to you in Spanish, unlike Chi- years. have a parliamentary inquiry. cago or New York or Oklahoma, be- Mr. Chairman, I have sat on this The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will cause Spanish is the language there. floor and listened to the arguments of state it. And since statehood has been proposed my colleagues on the other side of this Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, we in Puerto Rico, the culture and the issue. I have heard many distinguished will be able to ask for a vote on this language are nonnegotiable. I think we Members of this body argue, some pas- perfecting amendment later on. I have should guarantee that to the gen- sionately, some angrily, that by sup- not relinquished my right. tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. ROMERO- porting this bill they are protecting Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, will BARCELO´ ), the Resident Commissioner. the people of Puerto Rico. They say the gentleman yield? Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance that we must allow self-determination Mr. GUTIERREZ. I yield to the gen- of my time. for Puerto Rico because they respect tleman from New York. Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- our culture, our history and our right Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I man, I ask unanimous consent to op- to control our destiny. would be glad to assist the gentleman pose the amendment offered by the I have argued that this bill does not in seeing to it that he gets his vote at gentleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIER- provide self-determination, but I will the appropriate time. REZ). accept that the supporters of this bill The CHAIRMAN. The Chair will put Mr. GUTIERREZ. I object, Mr. Chair- think they are promoting the wishes of the question at the appropriate time. man. the people of Puerto Rico. Well, if that Mr. GUTIERREZ. I thank the Chair. H804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. BURTON OF INDI- English only amendment. Although I the official language until and only if ANA AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE AMENDMENT agree that we need to debate and pass Puerto Rico became a State after 10 OFFERED BY MR. SOLOMON an English only bill or a constitutional years. However, under my substitute, Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- amendment making English the offi- there would be an immediate effect by man, I offer an amendment as a sub- cial language of our government, hold- a new national policy to promote the stitute for the amendment. ing U.S. citizens hostage in Puerto teaching of English to enable students The Clerk read as follows: Rico, not allowing self-determination in public schools to achieve English Amendment offered by Mr. BURTON of Indi- to take place is against my strongly language proficiency by the age of 10 ana as a substitute for the amendment of- held beliefs in democracy. right now. In other words, 50 States fered by Mr. SOLOMON: In section 3, amend subsection (b) to read English has been made an issue to would be required to have English as as follows: kill this Puerto Rico plebiscite bill. the official language, but not Puerto (b) OFFICIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE.—In the H.R. 856 is a process bill to advance the Rico, until they became a State. So event that a referendum held under this Act democratic cause, to advance the you fortified the position that that is results in approval of sovereignty leading to Founding Fathers’ idea that freedom going to be a Spanish-speaking State Statehood, upon accession to Statehood, the and democracy demand self-determina- official language requirements of the Federal for at least 10 years. Government would apply to Puerto Rico in tion. My amendment would make sure the same manner and to the same extent as That is what this debate is really that English would be a proficiency, throughout the United States. about. Nevertheless, English has been there would be proficiency in English Add at the end of section 3 the following brought into the debate, forcing me by age 10 in Puerto Rico immediately, new subsection: and others to offer an alternative. Sup- not waiting 10 years. (c) ENGLISH LANGUAGE EMPOWERMENT.—It porters of H.R. 123, the Bill Emerson is in the best interest of the Nation for Puer- The last couple of evenings I was able to Rico to promote the teaching of English English Language Empowerment Act, to watch Braveheart on television. as the language of opportunity and empower- share Mr. SOLOMON’s English language This heroic story of the freedom fight- ment in the United States in order to enable policy goals but should not support ers of Scotland led by William Wallace students in public schools to achieve English this amendment to H.R. 856. I sup- over their British rulers resonates even language proficiency by the age of 10. ported strongly Mr. Emerson’s bill to this day. In section 4(a), in the referendum language when it was on the floor. b for Statehood, amend paragraph (7) to read The Solomon amendment is not 1545 as follows: faithful to H.R. 123. Instead the Solo- Like Scotland, Puerto Rico desires a ‘‘(7) Official English language require- chance at true freedom. However, rath- ments of the Federal Government apply in mon amendment does two things the Puerto Rico to the same extent as Federal House has never endorsed. Number one, er than take the debate to the battle- law requires throughout the United States.’’. the Solomon amendment requires bal- field, they ask us simply for the oppor- In subparagraph (C) of section 4(B)(1), lot language on the statehood option tunity to take the debate to the ballot strike ‘‘(C) Additionally,’’ and all that fol- which confuses voters to believe that box. lows through ‘‘(ii) the effective date’’ and in- Congress has imposed English as the Yes, they have local self-government, sert the following: exclusive official language of Puerto but under their current status Puerto (C) Additionally, in the event of a vote in Ricans are, in effect, ruled by the U.S. favor of continued United States sovereignty Rico’s potential State government, leading to Statehood, the transition plan re- which is not the case. And two, it also Congress but without any representa- quired by this subsection shall— confuses the voters that English is the tion in Congress. Puerto Ricans have (i) include proposals and incentives to in- exclusive language of instruction in no vote in the Congress but yet can be crease the opportunities of the people of Puerto Rico’s public schools, which is called into battle in a war on behalf of Puerto Rico to expand their English pro- not the case. the United States at a moment’s no- ficiency in order to promote and facilitate The Solomon amendment does not tice. communication with residents of all other empower the 3.8 million U.S. citizens of Yes, freedom and democracy are at States of the United States and with the Puerto Rico by promoting English the heart of this debate over H.R. 856. Federal Government, including teaching in English in public schools, awarding fellow- under the current commonwealth terri- Do we believe in a free people exercis- ships and scholarships, and providing grants tory status. Instead, the Solomon ing their right to self-determination or to organizations located in various commu- amendment would promote continu- do we not? That is the real question we nities that have, as a purpose, the promotion ation of an enclave of disenfranchised are debating today. of English language skills; Spanish-speaking U.S. citizens, a rec- We should, in my opinion, do the (ii) promote the use of English by the ipe for creating a Quebec-style separat- right thing and give Puerto Rico the United States citizens in Puerto Rico in ism under the American flag, which opportunity to let Congress clearly order to ensure— none of us wants. know if they want to be a State, a (I) efficiency in the conduct and coordina- tion of the official business activities of the We can avoid this by passing the Bur- Commonwealth or an independent Federal and State Governments; ton-Miller-McCollum-Young sub- country. And once we find out, and my (II) that the citizens possess the language stitute. Our amendment would be effec- colleagues need to know this, the final skill necessary to contribute to and partici- tive immediately, immediately. determination on the status of Puerto pate in all aspects of the Nation; and English proficiency by age 10 is the Rico rests with this body. (III) the ability of all citizens of Puerto Federal policy standard for school stu- The plebiscite we are talking about is Rico to take full advantage of the opportuni- dents in American’s largest and most advisory only. We are just asking that ties and responsibilities accorded to all citi- populous territory if my amendment the people of Puerto Rico be able to let zens, including education, economic activi- us know in the Congress, in a clearly ties, occupational opportunities, and civic passes. Our amendment eliminates am- affairs; and biguity and constitutional flaws in the defined way, what they want. Once we (iii) include the effective date Solomon amendment with clear and know that, then the Congress makes Mr. BURTON of Indiana (during the constitutionally sound provisions ap- the final determination. reading). Mr. Chairman, I ask unani- plying to Puerto Rico, if it becomes a Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance mous consent that the amendment be State, the same national English pol- of my time. considered as read and printed in the icy applicable to all other States. Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield RECORD. The irony of the Solomon amend- myself such time as I may consume, The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection ment is that it would isolate Puerto and I would tell this body that back in to the request of the gentleman from Rico from the purpose the amendment 1983 I was sitting in front of my locker Indiana? wants to establish when it wants to es- in the gym when a young man from In- There was no objection. tablish English as the official language dianapolis, Indiana came by and sat Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- of the United States. The Solomon next to me in the gym and we began to man, I yield myself such time as I may amendment would apply English to all talk, and we have been talking since consume. of the 50 States, but would carve out a 1938. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer a territory, Puerto Rico, under the U.S. And I said to myself, ‘‘There is an- reasonable substitute to the Solomon flag without the benefit of English as other Jerry Solomon coming along March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H805 here. He sounds to me like a true tradi- Indiana (Mr. BURTON), the gentleman So remember, www.house.gov/ tional doctrinaire conservative and, from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) and the gen- resources/ to hear the history of how therefore, when I retire in a few years, tleman from California (Mr. MILLER) this came to the floor today. I would feel safe that he was here.’’ My for the bipartisan substitute they are Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- beliefs have been shattered. I cannot offering to the Solomon amendment. I man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- believe he is offering this gutting rise in support of the underlying legis- tleman from Michigan (Mr. BONIOR). amendment to the Solomon amend- lation to grant self-determination to Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank ment, the true conservative position in the people of Puerto Rico and in oppo- the gentleman for yielding me this this body, and that is why I rise so sition to the Solomon amendment, and time. much against his amendment. in support of this amendment. When my grandfather first set foot in This amendment enshrines, my col- English and Spanish are already the this country, he was a young man from leagues, the language right of the official languages of the Government of Ukraine, and he did not speak a word Puerto Ricans in statute in a way that Puerto Rico and have been since 1902. of English. Not a single word. He came will spark years of litigation in States English is taught in public schools here for a better future. Like millions across this country. Remember this, from kindergarten through high of immigrants before him and millions because sure as I am standing here, it school. And it is my understanding who have come after him, my grand- is going to happen. that 95 percent of Puerto Ricans who father set out to work. He got a job, he Any Puerto Rican anywhere in the achieve education beyond high school raised a family, and he learned the lan- U.S. could challenge Federal and indi- are fluent in both languages. guage. There was no law telling him vidual State laws and declarations of I want to be clear to my colleagues that he had to learn English. There was English as the official language. No and read directly from the Burton no need for a law. He learned English State would be able to protect its offi- amendment: In the event that a ref- because it was practical; because he cial English law until all States pass erendum under this act results in ap- wanted to. English as the official language, and proval of sovereignty leading to state- My grandfather’s story is not unique. that will not happen if they are being hood, upon accession to statehood the In this country, a country built by im- sued, Mr. Chairman. The amount of official language requirements of the migrants from around the world, 95 lawsuits that will come about will be Federal Government would apply to percent of the people speak English. unbelievable if the Solomon amend- Puerto Rico in the same manner and to That is right, 95 percent, according to ment is gutted by this amendment. the same extent as throughout the the latest census. This amendment deletes my amend- United States. So I ask my colleagues, what is the ment’s finding and declaration of Let us support this amendment, purpose, what is the purpose of this English as the official language. It de- which treats Puerto Rico the same as English-only amendment and what letes the protections for English-speak- every other State, if Puerto Rico benefits will it bring? Well, the answer ing citizens. It deletes protections for chooses to become a State. The Burton is none. This amendment will only States which have declared English substitute also recognizes that it is in interfere with business, it will impede their official language until all States the best interest of the United States the efficient function of government, it have done so. and Puerto Rico to promote the teach- will deny people their constitutional The Burton amendment adds a new ing of English and sets the goal of ena- rights, and it could conceivably and English proficiency standard that con- bling students to achieve proficiency possibly even endanger their lives. flicts with the Equal Educational Op- by the age of 10. What purpose is served if a public portunity Act and other language pro- Mr. Chairman, my friend, the gen- health worker, perhaps a doctor who is visions in current law. And the liberals tleman from New York (Mr. SOLOMON), trying to stop the spread of a deadly on the other side of the aisle should whom I hold in the highest regard, is disease, is only allowed to speak with think about that. acting in a very unSolomon like mode people who know English? None. But The Burton amendment misleads vot- with this amendment today. It is not that is what this amendment could ers as to what Congress will require as wise and it is not fair. I urge my col- lead to. a minimum standard for the admission leagues to oppose this amendment. In fact, this English-only amendment of a State. Do we want to mislead the Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- could effectively prevent thousands of Puerto Rican people? If there is really man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman citizens, American citizens, from vot- a 10-year period before admission, why from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG), the chair- ing by denying them their rights under should the people of Puerto Rico know man of the Committee on Resources the Voting Rights Act. That is going that they are voting on something and my great friend and colleague. too far. which Congress will not accept? (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was This country is successful because And finally, my colleagues, the Mil- given permission to revise and extend millions of people, people from hun- ler-Burton amendment limits the his remarks.) dreds of countries, have chosen to President’s ability to deal with the lan- Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- throw in their lot together to build a guage issue and to protect English, man, I rise in strong support of the common future. Our democracy thrives which was recognized in the official substitute to the Solomon amendment. because it is built on a foundation of English bill that passed this House For those that are listening to this freedom. overwhelmingly 2 years ago with bipar- great debate, in order to help the pub- Passing a law telling people what tisan support. lic know about what Congress has been language they have to speak is akin to If my colleagues understand the doing about Puerto Rico for the past 4 telling them what words they must issue, they will come over here and years, all hearings, testimony, reports, say. vote down the Burton-Miller amend- amendments and the bill can be found So in closing, Mr. Chairman, I urge ment and support the Solomon amend- on the Committee on Resources’ home my colleagues to vote for this sub- ment, and then Puerto Rico will have a page at www.house.gov/resources/. stitute, the Miller-Young substitute, chance when the overwhelming major- I have just read an editorial in the and against the Solomon amendment. ity of those people understand that Washington Times that said there were Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield English will be the official language no hearings on this legislation. We myself such time as I might consume. and will not divide this country. have spent 4 years having hearings and Just to set the record straight, most Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance input from everybody participating in people around here can read bills. If of my time. this legislation. To have a leading they read the bill, they will know that Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- newspaper be that irresponsible is no the Solomon English language em- man, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentle- call for true journalism in this great powerment amendment only affects woman from California (Ms. PELOSI). Nation of ours. Talk about propaganda. those things that the government does Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Chairman, I thank It is wrong when a leading newspaper that are binding and enforceable. It the gentleman for yielding me this can, in fact, promote something that is does not affect things such as the infor- time and commend the gentleman from incorrect to the general public. mation gathering operations of the H806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 government such as the census forms sound amendment that is not violative dum language for statehood, amend and welfare forms. It does not do that. of any provisions in our Constitution, paragraph 7 to read as follows: ‘‘Offi- It does not affect public health issues including the 10th amendment. cial English language requirements of or politicians campaigning in their dis- This amendment to the Solomon the Federal Government apply in Puer- trict. It does not do that. amendment offered by the gentleman to Rico to the same extent as Federal Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to from Indiana sounds good. It sounds law requires throughout the United the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. nice. It sounds like there is substance States.’’ The law will be the same for BARR), one of the constitutional law- there. But in reality, it is not there. Puerto Rico, the same English lan- yers in this body. He is an outstanding There is nothing here other than lan- guage law for Puerto Rico as it is for member of the Committee on the Judi- guage that will get us involved in a the rest of the United States. ciary. morass of additional grants and money Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, programs and bureaucrats trying to de- of my time. I thank the gentleman from New York termine whether or not these monies Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield (Mr. SOLOMON) for yielding me this are being spent to truly incentivize, as myself such time as I may consume. I time. they say now days, to promote and fa- would just point out to the gentleman Although I have not had the honor cilitate communication, et cetera. from Indiana (Mr. BURTON), so does my and pleasure of talking since 1983 with I urge our colleagues to look behind amendment. the gentleman from Indiana, I do know the fancy rhetoric here, to an empty Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to him as a man of great courage and amendment, to vote it down, and vote the gentleman from Savannah, Georgia honor and have enjoyed serving with in favor of the Solomon amendment. (Mr. KINGSTON). Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I him on his Committee on Government Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- thank the gentleman from New York Reform and Oversight. man, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- I know him to be a gentleman who is for yielding me this time. tleman from Texas (Mr. RODRIGUEZ). Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to constantly waging battles against gov- (Mr. RODRIGUEZ asked and was the Burton, Miller and company ernment mismanagement, against gov- given permission to revise and extend amendment. I think it is just a fig leaf ernment waste, against government his remarks.) designed to put us all in court and take bureaucrats. I know him as a gen- Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I away a lot of power from States. If tleman who inevitably and constantly rise in support of this bipartisan sub- Members are for English first as a lan- is speaking the truth bluntly and does stitute which brings some common guage, as an issue, then they need to not suffer government bureaucrats and sense and fairness to the debate. oppose it and they need to support Sol- fools at all. No one doubts the importance of omon. I must, therefore, express some sur- English for all Americans. It is our It is not unusual for us to demand prise at the amendment that the gen- common language. I tell my students such things and try to amend bills and tleman from Indiana is offering and and my constituents back home that to so forth to do what we want to. There would respectfully urge my colleagues succeed in this global economy, in this is nothing unusual about it. Oklahoma to vote against it. modern world, we must learn English, and New Mexico were both required to There are such things as wolves in and not only learn, but master in have State constitutions providing sheep’s clothing. This is a sheep in English. English is the key for oppor- that public school education be con- sheep’s clothing. If one looks behind tunity. This amendment allows this op- ducted in English. Arizona was re- the facade of the rhetoric here, flowery portunity to provide that instruction quired to guarantee that its executive and lengthy as it is, one finds abso- and that training in English. and legislative officials could write, lutely nothing, zero, zip, nada. b 1600 speak and understand English. Not only is there nothing in this That is all the Solomon language is amendment in terms of requiring the It would treat Puerto Rico in a just trying to do. Culturally it is trying to English language in any way, shape, or manner, as it would treat all the other go a little bit beyond the language form in Puerto Rico if it is admitted to existing States. I would like to remind question. I think one of the things that statehood, but it actually, I believe, by all the Members in this House that the has inspired the Solomon language is its terms, would set us back. One has territories prior to being accepted, the situation with Quebec, north of our to read simply from page 2. such as Hawaii, we also allowed them border. In 1995 Quebec had a vote and Additionally, in the event of a vote the opportunity to be able to keep came very close to receiving a major- in favor of continued United States their native language. When we dealt ity for independence. It was a vote of sovereignty leading to statehood, the with the Territory of Oklahoma, we 49.4 percent, 10 percent higher than it transition plan required by this sub- also recognized the Native Americans had been 15 years earlier. It is very pos- section shall include proposals and in- in that area. When we looked at New sible that in the future, Quebec will se- centives to increase the opportunities Mexico, we also took into consider- cede from Canada. of the people of Puerto Rico to expand ation the Spanish in that particular Is there any correlation between their English proficiency in order to community. Puerto Rico and Quebec? Let us look at promote and facilitate communication The Solomon amendment would pre- it. What do they have in common? with residents of all other States of the vent millions of Americans and would Both had their own languages and cul- United States and the Federal Govern- discriminate against a lot of individ- tures long before becoming part of ment, including teaching in English in uals in Texas and others and in Puerto English-speaking majority nations, public schools, awarding fellowships Rico itself. This is not fair. It is not should that happen. Both had popu- and scholarships, and providing grants right. I would ask that Members vote lations in which the overwhelming ma- to organizations located in various for this particular amendment. Mr. jority speak a language different from communities that have as a purpose Chairman, in the age of increasing that of the majority of the rest of the the promotion of English language global competition, we should be nur- Nation, and both have political move- skills. turing some of our Nation’s most val- ments that focus on independence as This will set up more bureaucrats. ued treasures, our culture, our lan- the key to maintaining a separate cul- Who is going to monitor this? Where is guage and our skills, not curtailing ture and linguistic identity. Both have the money going to come from for them. economic elites that speak English these proposals and incentives to in- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- while the more economically disadvan- crease the opportunities? We are going man, I yield myself such time as I may taged citizens do not. to be paying for it. consume. I would just like to say to my It is quite possible that if we look at Mr. Chairman, this is a bad amend- colleague from New York and my col- the number, 82 percent of the people of ment. What we ought to do is have an league from Georgia, my very good Quebec are French speakers, 98 percent up or down vote on the Solomon friends, if they will look on page 2 of of the people of Puerto Rico are Span- amendment. I believe it is a good, my amendment, the second paragraph, ish speakers. The strong cultural iden- solid, and worthy, and constitutionally it says, in section 4(a) in the referen- tity which we are all aware of in this March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H807 House, and the strong cultural identity come the 51st State of the Union, we no longer can deny Puerto Rico state- that we want the good American citi- should vote that choice on its merits. hood, no matter what the percentage of zens of Puerto Rico to maintain, is at We are a country noted for its rich approval is by the Puerto Rican people. risk here. cultural diversity. Let us not dishonor Mr. Chairman, that is wrong. If we do This is a statehood vote. This is not that history. Reject the Solomon not have the kind of overwhelming sup- just let us see how you feel about it. amendment. port that we had in Hawaii and that we This is starting the car and pulling it I urge my colleagues to support the had in Alaska, we are going to end up out in the driveway. You do not do that Burton-Miller-Young-McCollum sub- in a situation almost identical to what unless you are going to take a trip, Mr. stitute and the right of the people of we have in Quebec, Canada today, and Chairman. This is a statehood vote. It Puerto Rico to self-determination. I we cannot allow that to happen. will radically change the culture in commend my colleagues for bringing The one major issue that has held Puerto Rico and lead to a lot of divi- this substitute to the floor. this country together for all these 200 sion in the United States over it. Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield years as a melting pot of all ethnic Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- myself such time as I may consume. backgrounds throughout the entire man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman We can bring this to a head at any world, it does not matter whether it is from Massachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY). point now. I think it has been a very the Pacific, it does not matter whether Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. good debate. Certainly Members have it is Europe, wherever it is, it is the Chairman, simply put, we ought not stated their feelings. common language of English that has I want to ask Members this question hold the issue of Puerto Rico’s political kept us together. That keeps our esprit one more time: Will Congress have to status hostage to the question of mak- de corps, it keeps our patriotism alive, begin conducting House and Senate ing English the official language of all because we all speak that one lan- floor proceedings in both Spanish and government functions across the guage. That is what is at stake on the English? Will the CONGRESSIONAL United States. Mr. Chairman, if that voting on this amendment in a few happened a lot of us here in the Con- RECORD, Federal Register and Uniform Commercial Code need to be printed in minutes. gress would be barred from speaking on Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, the House floor. I have been accused of Spanish and English? The answer is it may be. Will a State of Puerto Rico be will the gentleman yield? a lot of things in my career in politics, Mr. SOLOMON. I yield to the gen- able to force other States to conduct but speaking English has not always their official business in a language tleman from Georgia. been one of them. I once remember Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, other than English? The answer is very hearing a colloquy between Jamie likely. I would like to point out and reiterate Whitten and Kika de la Garza on this It will result in many lawsuits all to the membership in voting on the House floor, and I could not understand across this country. I suppose if you Burton amendment the language pre- a thing anybody said. are a lawyer or if you have got children viously cited by its author, that ‘‘the In fact, I heard the remarks of the who are entering the law profession, official English language requirements gentleman from New York (Mr. SOLO- perhaps you ought to vote for this bill of the Federal Government apply in MON) as he introduced his amendment because you are certainly going to gen- Puerto Rico to the same extent as Fed- and if I was not mistaken, he employed erate a lot of work for them. eral law requires throughout the a foreign phrase from the language of a Mr. Chairman, I could go on and on United States,’’ does nothing but sim- dead empire. Along with the gentleman and on. But I am going to say one more ply lock in the status quo. English is from New York (Mr. SOLOMON), I be- time that if this amendment, the Solo- already required for Federal purposes lieve deeply in the principle of ‘‘e mon amendment, is defeated, or if it is in Puerto Rico. Yet notwithstanding pluribus unum,’’ out of many, one. But watered down, anyone in this country that, the overwhelming majority of I think the gentleman from New York can bring an action anywhere in the Puerto Ricans do not understand ought to be allowed to enunciate the United States and could challenge Fed- English, do not speak English. This principle in the original language. eral and individual State laws and dec- language in the Burton amendment, Whether it is Hawaiian or Cajun larations of English as the official lan- which its author cites as a strengthen- French, Polish or even Gallic, there are guage. No State would be able to pro- ing amendment, simply maintains the millions of Americans who speak lan- tect its official English language. status quo. It goes no further and can- guages other than English and there is Again, these are very, very impor- not go further by its terms. no reason to reduce their first tongues tant matters. I am going to just reit- I thank the gentleman from New to second-class linguistic citizenship. erate one more time the procedures York for yielding. Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- that are going to take place. I have al- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I re- man, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- ready said what would happen if the serve the balance of my time. woman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Solomon amendment is defeated or wa- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- CHRISTIAN-GREEN). tered down. But if this bill becomes law man, I yield myself 11⁄2 minutes. Ms. CHRISTIAN-GREEN. Mr. Chair- without the Solomon amendment, Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield man, I rise in strong opposition to the within the next 9 months, before the 1 minute to the gentleman from Indi- Solomon amendment and in support of end of 1998, we are ordering, demand- ana (Mr. BURTON). the Burton-Young-Miller-McCollum ing, requiring the island of Puerto Rico Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- substitute. The Solomon amendment is to conduct a plebiscite, and we are or- man, let me just say that I think the patently unfair to the people of Puerto dering, demanding and requiring them amendment, my substitute, the gen- Rico and does not belong in this proc- to do this until they finally vote for tleman from California’s substitute, ess of self-determination. statehood. Mr. Chairman, that is abso- solves the English language issue if Mr. Chairman, the people of Puerto lutely wrong. you want to have it attached to this Rico have been loyal American citizens If we pass this bill and if the Presi- bill. But this bill is not about the for more than 100 years. It is high time dent signs it within over the next sev- English language, nor should it be. It is that they be given the opportunity to eral weeks, that plebiscite will be held about whether or not the people of make a choice once and for all on what because it will be mandated by this Puerto Rico have a right to let the their political relationship will be. To Congress on the Puerto Rican people. Congress of the United States know if allow the Solomon amendment to pass Within 180 days after that, which takes they want to be a State, a common- would pollute the current bill and its us towards midyear of 1999, the Presi- wealth or independent. intent, causing possibly the entire dent must give us his transition plan. b process to be derailed. Then written into this law in section 6 1615 We need to remain focused and clear. is a requirement that this Congress This English issue is a red herring H.R. 856 is not supposed to be a state- will have to vote on that within 120 that has been put into the bill to try to hood bill. There are actually 4 options. days. drive a stake through the heart of the The people of Puerto Rico can choose That, Mr. Chairman, is the turning bill to kill it. That is what they want any one. But if their choice is to be- point. It is the turning point when we to do. They want to kill the bill. It H808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 should not even be here in here. We Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance the Puerto Rican people, the citizens of should be debating the English only of my time. this country, have made to the growth issue in a separate piece of legislation Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- of this country in every aspect of our as we have in the past. man, I yield myself such time as I may history. All we are saying to those peo- This is a plebiscite bill to find out consume. ple is, you will be treated the same as from the people of Puerto Rico what Mr. Chairman, the coauthor, the everyone else who has made that con- status they want. Do they want to be a sponsor of this amendment, the gen- tribution. And when you make the de- State, do they want to be a common- tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) has cision to choose statehood or common- wealth, or independent? If they want to quite properly stated what this amend- wealth, you will know that the playing be a State, for instance, it has to come ment is about. This amendment is field is level here. back to the Congress and a process of about should at the end of this process That is what the Burton amendment about 8 or 10 years is going to take the people of Puerto Rico decide to accomplishes. That is not what the place before they become a State. So choose statehood as an option and a Solomon amendment does. The Solo- the Congress is going to make the final condition under which they want to mon amendment puts a series of condi- determination anyhow. This is a red live, the language in the Burton sub- tions beyond that level playing field, herring. stitute says they will be treated the that in the text of his amendment The other thing I want to say is that same as any other State. They will be apply only to Puerto Rico and only to I have great respect for my colleagues, treated the same as the citizens of Ne- those communications between the but I think that every one of my col- braska or California or New York or citizens of Puerto Rico and the govern- leagues who are opposing this bill, I Florida or Louisiana or anywhere else. ment. That we should reject. hope every one of my colleagues who If this Congress should decide that If later we want to do that, and Mr. are sitting in their offices will focus on English is the official language of this CUNNINGHAM indicated that maybe the the main issue at hand today, and that country and wants to add a lot of re- English as an official language bill will is do people who are American citizens, quirements about that at some future come back, if that prevails and passes and that is the people of Puerto Rico, date, if Puerto Rico is a State, Puerto and is signed into law, that will be the do the people who are American citi- Rico will live under those requirements zens have the right to say, we want law of the land with respect to the peo- the same as the citizens of any other ple in Puerto Rico and the people in representation if we are going to be State. paying the price in wars and taxes and California. But we should not be trying If Puerto Rico petitions to become a to guide that determination here, be- everything else for this country. Do State, and we agree to that, and they they have that right? They should. cause this is about a plebiscite, and vote for that and we vote for that, they this is about what people can expect to They are American citizens. are petitioning to become a State on Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, will happen and not happen should they coequal terms of every other citizen of choose one of the three alternatives the gentleman yield? every other State. The Solomon Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I yield to outlined in the legislation. amendment goes beyond that. It goes the gentleman from New York. This committee worked very hard. beyond that to require, require, that Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, the Mr. YOUNG held a whole series of hear- gentleman is standing up and saying, the communications be only in English ings in Puerto Rico and here to try and and people can only communicate with ‘‘JERRY SOLOMON brought this English determine the fairest way to present debate into this bill.’’ Here is the bill. the Federal Government in English, far these three options. We ought not now It is not my bill. This is the committee beyond what is required today in any try to put our thumb on one side of the bill. On page 10, line 1, section B, lan- law that we have. scale one way or the other with respect guage, ‘‘English shall be the common So what we said was not knowing yet to the outcome of that vote. what the people of Puerto Rico will de- language of mutual understanding in The people of Puerto Rico ought to termine, let us just level the playing the United States.’’ It goes on for be able to make their choice in this field, so, again, this debate cannot be pages. I did not introduce this into the plebiscite about their status, and then used, because in the politics of the bill, you folks did. it will be incumbent upon the Congress campaign, statehood versus common- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- to either accept or reject that or to wealth versus independence, people man, reclaiming my time, I would say condition that. But we will then know want to argue you are going to lose to the gentleman from New York (Mr. what the choice of the people of Puerto your right to speak Spanish, you are SOLOMON), the reason we did was be- Rico is. going to be forced to speak only cause we knew the gentleman as the Mr. Chairman, I believe the Burton chairman of the Committee on Rules English, you are not going to have citi- zenship. This campaign gets way out of amendment maintains the integrity of was going to put this amendment into this process so that we will know when the process. That is why we did it, and control. So we tried to put language here which is very simple. You will be that vote is taken, that we have pro- the gentleman knows it. vided free and fair options with respect Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield treated, should you vote for statehood, to the status for the people of Puerto myself such time as I might consume. the same as any other citizen in any Rico to choose. With the Parliamentarians sitting up other State, period, with respect to the there I went to the Parliamentarians requirements of the English language Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance and said, I do not want to go beyond of the Federal Government. of my time. the germaneness of this bill. I will not That is fair, and I think it is proper, Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- do it. I will not use the power of our when people are going to engage in a man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman Committee on Rules to do that. I could historical vote about their status from from Texas (Mr. GREEN). have done it, Mr. Chairman, as the gen- that point forward. (Mr. GREEN asked and was given tleman knows. Instead, we wrote an That is what this committee owed permission to revise and extend his re- amendment germane to the bill. So I them, that is what this Congress owes marks.) think the gentleman misspoke. them, and the Burton amendment al- Mr. GREEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- lows that to happen. It simply levels the gentleman from Indiana for yield- man, if the gentleman will yield, I do out the playing field with respect to ing me time. not think I owe the gentleman an apol- English. They will know that they will I would also thank the gentleman ogy. First of all, the bill only author- not be discriminated against because from Indiana (Mr. BURTON), the gen- izes that language, authorizes the they speak Spanish; they will not be tleman from California (Mr. MILLER), English provisions in that bill. It does burdened because they do not have full the gentleman from Florida (Mr. not mandate them, if the gentleman compliance with English. They will MCCOLLUM) and the gentleman from reads that. simply be treated the same as all other Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) for bringing not Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, re- American citizens. only the bill, but this amendment here, claiming my time, nor does my amend- Many people have risen on this floor because this is what is going to bring ment. today to testify as to the contributions us together, I hope. March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H809 Mr. Chairman, I would say to the military how to speak English, and I quirement. How can we force such an arbi- gentleman from New York (Mr. SOLO- am very proud of it. trary requirement on the citizens of Puerto MON), I understand that English lan- We are going to close this out, and it Rico when none exists for any of the 50 guage does bring us together, but we has been a good debate, up until the states? As the bridge to Latin America, al- have more in common than just our last couple of speakers. The Solomon ready over 85% of Puerto Ricans are fluent in language. As a Nation we are held to- amendment does nothing different than both English and Spanish. Further, the United gether by love of liberty and freedom, what we have done for Oklahoma, for States does not have an official language law, no matter what language we speak and Louisiana, for New Mexico and for Ari- and we should not start by imposing one on no matter how we speak English, be- zona. But now it becomes even more a geographic area as diverse as Puerto Rico. cause we speak English in different important, because I will state once For over four hundred years, our country has ways, from Texas to Maine, to Boston again that if the Solomon amendment been a ``melting pot'' for people of all racial to Florida and everywhere else. But is defeated, if the Burton amendment and ethnic backgrounds. In fact, we pride our- that is what this amendment talks allows the Solomon amendment to be selves on this unique aspect of our history. about. watered down, we are going to jeopard- We are a nation founded on the principles of Let me read the language for the ize the future of this democracy of freedom and equality for all. Members who are maybe watching in ours, because it means that Puerto Mr. Chairman, I hope that my colleagues their offices. ‘‘The official language re- Rico could possibly be brought in with- will remember these principles and support the quirements of the Federal Government in the next 24 months into this Union right of self-determination for the citizens of shall apply to Puerto Rico in the same with only a very, very small majority Puerto Rico. manner as and the same extent as of people wanting citizenship. We Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to throughout the United States.’’ should never, never let that happen. As oppose the English-only provisions being of- If the citizens of Puerto Rico make a we did with Hawaii, as we did with fered to this bill to define the political status of decision for statehood, they will come Alaska, we should always have over- Puerto Rico. in on the same level as the citizens of whelming support, not only of those I have consistently opposed English-only Texas. You can come to Texas and areas that want to come into the provisions to bills that have been before the speak Spanish, you can come and speak United States, but also of the Amer- House and do so again today. While I under- English; but if you go into a court- ican people. stand my friends who advocate these room, you are going to speak English The polls show that the American changes, we simply disagree. As the rep- or have a translator. people are opposed to this legislation resentative of a border districtÐas a man who They could speak whatever language in its present form. It shows that the has grown up speaking two languages every they want, because that is the freedom Puerto Rican people in the last plebi- day of my lifeÐI understand the dynamics of we enjoy. I have people in Texas who scite were opposed to statehood, and this proposal. are proud to be German and speak Ger- we should clear these up before this People on one side see the English lan- man, but when they go to court they matter ever becomes law. But, just as a guage as the defining and unifying element of have to have an English translation. safeguard, we ought to pass the Solo- the United States. Those who believe as I do, Mr. Chairman, I urge support for the mon amendment. that the English language is the most impor- Burton amendment. Mr. Chairman, let me say in closing tant element of economic development in our Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- that the Solomon amendment has the country, also realize that it is the democratic man, I yield the balance of my time to support of U.S. English, it has the sup- institutions and history of the United States the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. port of English First, it has support of that define us as a country and a community. KENNEDY). the English Language Advocates, it has This policy, while well intentional, will make The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman support of the Center for Equal Oppor- some untenable changes. It will rescind the from Rhode Island is recognized for 30 tunity. All grassroots English groups use of bilingual education, a valuable program seconds. in this country support the Solomon to children of new immigrants. It will prohibit Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. amendment and oppose the watering the use of bilingual voting materials and bal- Chairman, I thank the gentleman for down of the amendment, whether it be lots. In a democracy, su voto es su vozÐyour yielding time to me. by MILLER-BURTON or by anyone else. vote is your voice. We would be stifling a deep Mr. Chairman, ultimately this is a So I urge support of the Solomon democratic tradition if we kept voting and bal- political football. The Solomon amend- amendment and defeat of the Miller- loting information out of the hands of those ment is meant to kill this bill. To Burton amendment. who speak a language other than English. think that we are asking the Puerto Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to Probably the most insidious thing an Rican people to be forced to speak express my vehement opposition to H.R. 856, English-only policy would do would prohibit the English. I would ask the gentleman the United States-Puerto Rico Political Status use of dual language public health notices. from New York (Mr. SOLOMON), how Act, and to the English-only language amend- Now, it has been our experience in South often did we ask the 200,000 Puerto ment offered by the gentleman from New Texas that health care knows no single lan- Ricans who served in our Nation’s mili- York. guage, and it has been our experience that tary and were putting their lives on At the outset, I want to extend my full sup- diseases know no border. This would be a the line in defense of this liberty how port to my fellow colleagues, NYDIA VELAÂZQUEZ profoundly bad idea, and it would only hurt ev- well they spoke English? And why is it (D±NY) and JOSE SERRANO (D±NY), in their eryone, not just those who do not speak right for us now to say they have to efforts to ensure that the people of Puerto English. speak English? When they were good Rico have a ``voice'' in this process. As Con- I would like to associate myself with the re- enough to die for this country, they gresswoman VELAÂZQUEZ stated earlier today, marks of my friend CHET EDWARDS who said were good enough to serve for this ``Why don't we let Puerto Rico decide what's that we need to teach English, not preach it. country, now we are going to impose best for Puerto Rico.'' Spanish is the language of commerce in most the English language on them, when it For close to one hundred years, Puerto Rico countries of the Americas. The Spanish- was never the case when it happened to has been a Commonwealth of the United speaking countries are the largest potential come to them serving in our Nation’s States. Puerto Rican citizens have abided by market for U.S. goodsÐwe must not let the military. the laws of the United States; they have par- opportunity to sell them our products go by. Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield ticipated in defending the United States in var- Our schools, and this government, must learn myself such time as I may consume. ious wars; and even joined the military during the language of world commerceÐwhich is Mr. Chairman, I am going to try to peaceful times. Both English and Spanish are primarily English, but is also increasingly hold myself down a little bit after the the official languages of Puerto Rico. They Spanish. remarks from my friend, the gen- clearly are an integral part of our representa- Let us not take a bad idea and make it tleman from Rhode Island (Mr. KEN- tive government. We should take extreme cau- worse. Please join me in opposing the English NEDY) over there. It seems like he and tion and listen to their concerns. only provisions of this bill. I always get into it about this time. I Moreover, we should not, as some of our Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support will just tell my good friend that I colleagues are trying to do, force them to of the Burton-McCollum-Young substitute to helped teach the Puerto Ricans in the abide by a stringent English-only language re- the Solomon English amendment to H.R. 856. H810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 Under this amendment, the English lan- Republicans may misguide the American utes. How do we do that? How do we guage would be immediately fostered in Puer- people with the argument that empowering propound a recorded vote at this time? to RicoÐunlike the Solomon amendment, voters with bilingual assistance costs tax dol- The CHAIRMAN. The Chair has the which applies the English language require- lars. Nothing could be farther from the truth. authority to do it. Pursuant to the ments only if the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico Studies show that the cost of bilingual assist- rules, the Chair will announce the sub- choose to become a State. The Burton sub- ance for voting is either nominal or causes no sequent two votes (if ordered) will be 5 stitute would allow all students to be proficient additional costs. A GAO report shows that of minute votes. in the English language by age 10. 295 responding jurisdictions, written assist- Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, be- Please join me in supporting the Burton ance costs less than 8 percent of election ex- fore we vote, there have been some substitute to the Solomon English amendment. penditures and it estimates that costs 18 pretty scandalous things occurring. This bipartisan substitute provides an impartial states nothing. Oral language assistance is The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote is and equitable alternative. even less burdensome. ordered. The gentleman from Illinois is Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I rise in oppo- As important as voting, ordinary citizens out of order. sition to the amendment to HR 856, offered by need access to our government. We do not Mr. GUTIERREZ. If the Chairman Representative SOLOMON, requiring English to want to cripple government with English-only will, please, I do have a very good be the official language of all government mandates, lest the police, 911 operators and point. This is very serious. We are vio- functions across the entire United States and Emergency Medical Service technicians would lating the rules of the House, Mr. support the substitute amendment offered by be unable to do their jobs in life threatening Chairman. This is being handed out Representatives BURTON, MILLER, and YOUNG, situations involving an individual with little flu- against our rules. which would treat Puerto Rico the same as ency in English. The CHAIRMAN. Does the gentleman every other state; which recognizes the pri- Conversely, the government needs to con- have a parliamentary inquiry? mary role of English in our national affairs; tinue to provide services to ordinary citizens. PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY and which would not preclude the use of other Restricting the ability of agencies to dispense Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I languages in government functions when ap- information to the public in a language other have a parliamentary inquiry. propriate. than English would undermine important gov- The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will As a member of the House Judiciary Com- ernment functions such as collecting taxes, in- state it. mittee, it comes as no surprise to me that yet forming citizens of their fundamental rights, Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, can again the proponents of the English-only promoting equal educational opportunity and this be handed out to Members of the movement are attempting to divide this coun- public health and safety, and ensuring due House of Representatives as they are try with English-only legislation. process under the law. walking in here, to ask people to vote While we in this country do not always English-only isolates the U.S. from the rest yes or no on different amendments as agree, we share a common set of democratic of the world. Similar to the evolving society in they walk in here, without having the ideals and valuesÐa commitment to freedom, which we live, our world is also changing. We letterhead of the U.S. Congress and equality, tolerance and opportunity. This is live in a global economy, requiring Americans without it being signed by some Mem- what holds us togetherÐnot language. to be more cognizant of the language, the cul- ber of Congress? On the same principle, I want to make my tural norms and sensitivities and business The CHAIRMAN. Handouts handed position clear that there is no place for practices of our international trading partners. out to the membership must indicate English-only legislation in this country. The time calls for us to adaptÐwhich does not who authorized them. English-only is nothing more than a political mean imposing that our government functions Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, tactic. Why else would we be seeking to im- in one languageÐEnglish only. then I bring to the attention of the plement English-only policies when 95 percent The majority of federal documents are al- Chair that this is being handed out of the U.S. population already speaks ready in English. According to the General Ac- amongst us without signature, without English? counting Office, only 0.06 percent of federal the letterhead, not in accordance with What the Solomon amendment really does documents are printed in non-English lan- our rules, and I would ask that the is effectively to disenfranchise a large popu- guages. Rather than restrict the use of non- Chair protect in any way possible the lation of citizens for the purely political reason English languages, we should be expanding integrity of the rules of the House. that they traditionally vote Democratic rather our fluency in several different languages. The CHAIRMAN. The Chair will do than Republican. Thirty-two million Americans speak a second everything possible so that the rules of Specific to this bill, the real fear of the Re- language. They are competitive with the rest the House are adhered to and complied publicans is that in the event that Puerto Rico of the world. with. joins the Union as a state, the majority of the I urge my colleagues to vote against the Pursuant to clause 2(c) of rule XXIII, voting population may turn out voting Demo- Solomon amendment, and resist this latest at- the Chair may reduce to not less than cratic. Puerto Ricans see through this veiled tempt to divide our country, and weaken its 5 minutes the time for any recorded political attempt. So do current registered vot- position globally and vote in favor of the sub- vote, if ordered, on the Burton sub- ers. stitute to the Solomon amendment offered by stitute amendment to the Solomon English-only alienates ordinary citizens. Representatives BURTON, MILLER, and YOUNG. amendment or on the Solomon amend- Let's face the reality of the 21st centuryÐwe Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I yield ment without intervening business or live in a multicultural and multilingual society, back the balance of my time. debate. and this is America's strength. We are a proud The CHAIRMAN. The question is on The vote was taken by electronic de- nation of immigrants. Many immigrants re- the amendment offered by the gen- vice, and there were—ayes 13, noes 406, cently have become citizens, and embrace the tleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ), answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 10, as opportunity which many were deprived in their to the amendment offered by the gen- follows: native country to vote. tleman from New York (Mr. SOLOMON). Many immigrants also are learning English The question was taken; and the [Roll No. 28] faster than ever, as indicated by increased en- Chairman announced that the noes ap- AYES—13 rollment in English classes. By abolishing bilin- peared to have it. Conyers Meeks (NY) Serrano gual ballots, the English-only measure seeks RECORDED VOTE Davis (IL) Owens Towns Gutierrez Pastor Velazquez to undermine standing lawÐthe Voting Rights Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I Kennedy (MA) Payne Act of 1965Ðand to frustrate the participation demand a recorded vote. McKinney Rush A recorded vote was ordered. of U.S. citizens in the political process. NOES—406 We need to keep out English-only legislation PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Abercrombie Baker Bass and retain bilingual voting materials not only to Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I have Ackerman Baldacci Bateman allow voters to engage meaningfully in our de- a parliamentary inquiry. Aderholt Ballenger Becerra mocracy, but also to permit voters to partici- The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will Allen Barcia Bentsen pate on an informed basis. They need to know state it. Andrews Barr Bereuter Archer Barrett (NE) Berman who is running for office and also to under- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I un- Armey Barrett (WI) Berry stand more complex voting issues such as derstood that we were going to try to Bachus Bartlett Bilbray constitutional amendments. reduce the second vote down to 5 min- Baesler Barton Bilirakis March 4, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H811 Bishop Frank (MA) Lofgren Sabo Smith, Adam Tiahrt Davis (FL) Kanjorski Pastor Blagojevich Franks (NJ) Lowey Salmon Smith, Linda Tierney Davis (IL) Kaptur Payne Bliley Frelinghuysen Lucas Sanchez Snowbarger Traficant DeFazio Kelly Pelosi Blumenauer Frost Maloney (CT) Sanders Snyder Turner DeGette Kennedy (MA) Peterson (MN) Blunt Furse Maloney (NY) Sandlin Solomon Upton Delahunt Kennedy (RI) Pombo Boehlert Gallegly Manton Sanford Souder Vento DeLauro Kennelly Pomeroy Boehner Ganske Manzullo Sawyer Spence Visclosky Deutsch Kildee Portman Bonilla Gejdenson Markey Saxton Spratt Walsh Diaz-Balart Kim Price (NC) Bonior Gekas Martinez Scarborough Stabenow Wamp Dicks Kind (WI) Rahall Borski Gephardt Mascara Schaefer, Dan Stark Watkins Dingell Kleczka Rangel Boswell Gibbons Matsui Schaffer, Bob Stearns Watt (NC) Dixon Klink Redmond Boucher Gilchrest McCarthy (MO) Scott Stenholm Watts (OK) Doggett Klug Reyes Boyd Gillmor McCarthy (NY) Sensenbrenner Stokes Waxman Dooley Kolbe Riggs Brady Gilman McCollum Sessions Strickland Weldon (FL) Doyle Kucinich Rivers Brown (CA) Goode McCrery Shadegg Stump Weldon (PA) Edwards LaFalce Rodriguez Brown (FL) Goodlatte McDade Shaw Stupak Weller Ehlers Lampson Roemer Brown (OH) Goodling McDermott Shays Sununu Wexler Ehrlich Lantos Ros-Lehtinen Bryant Gordon McGovern Sherman Talent Weygand Engel Lazio Rothman Bunning Goss McHale Shuster Tanner White English Leach Roybal-Allard Burr Graham McHugh Sisisky Tauscher Whitfield Ensign Levin Rush Burton Granger McInnis Skaggs Tauzin Wicker Eshoo Lewis (GA) Sabo Buyer Green McIntosh Skeen Taylor (MS) Wise Etheridge Lofgren Sanchez Callahan Greenwood McIntyre Skelton Taylor (NC) Wolf Evans Lowey Sanders Calvert Gutknecht McKeon Slaughter Thomas Woolsey Farr Maloney (CT) Sandlin Camp Hall (OH) McNulty Smith (MI) Thompson Wynn Fattah Maloney (NY) Sawyer Campbell Hall (TX) Meehan Smith (NJ) Thornberry Yates Fazio Manton Saxton Canady Hamilton Meek (FL) Smith (OR) Thune Young (AK) Filner Markey Scott Cannon Hansen Menendez Smith (TX) Thurman Young (FL) Foley Martinez Serrano Forbes Mascara Shaw Cardin Hastert Metcalf ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Carson Hastings (FL) Mica Ford Matsui Sherman Castle Hastings (WA) Millender- Waters Fox McCarthy (MO) Skaggs Frank (MA) McCarthy (NY) Skeen Chabot Hayworth McDonald NOT VOTING—10 Frost McCollum Skelton Chambliss Hefley Miller (CA) Furse McDermott Slaughter Chenoweth Hefner Miller (FL) Doolittle Luther Shimkus Gallegly McGovern Smith (NJ) Christensen Herger Minge Gonzalez Poshard Torres Gejdenson McHale Smith, Adam Clay Hill Mink Harman Schiff Gekas McInnis Snyder Clayton Hilleary Moakley Kilpatrick Schumer Gephardt McIntyre Spratt Clement Hilliard Mollohan Gibbons McKeon Stabenow Clyburn Hinchey Moran (KS) b 1651 Gilchrest McKinney Stark Coble Hinojosa Moran (VA) Gilman McNulty Stokes Coburn Hobson Morella Messrs. JACKSON of Illinois, Gordon Meehan Strickland Murtha Collins Hoekstra BECERRA, SMITH of Texas, SMITH of Granger Meek (FL) Stupak Combest Holden Myrick Michigan, MALONEY of Connecticut, Green Meeks (NY) Tanner Condit Hooley Nadler BATEMAN, and RANGEL changed Greenwood Mica Tauscher Cook Horn Neal their vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Hall (OH) Millender- Tauzin Cooksey Hostettler Nethercutt Hamilton McDonald Taylor (MS) Costello Houghton Neumann Ms. MCKINNEY and Messrs. OWENS, Hansen Miller (CA) Thompson Cox Hoyer Ney KENNEDY of Massachusetts, and CON- Hastings (FL) Minge Thornberry Coyne Hulshof Northup YERS changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to Hefner Mink Thurman Cramer Hunter Norwood Hilliard Moakley Tierney Crane Hutchinson Nussle ‘‘aye.’’ Hinchey Mollohan Turner Crapo Hyde Oberstar So the amendment to the amendment Hinojosa Moran (VA) Vento Cubin Inglis Obey was rejected. Hooley Morella Visclosky Cummings Istook Olver The result of the vote was announced Hostettler Murtha Walsh Cunningham Jackson (IL) Ortiz Houghton Nadler Waters Danner Jackson-Lee Oxley as above recorded. Hoyer Neal Watt (NC) Davis (FL) (TX) Packard The CHAIRMAN. The question is on Hulshof Oberstar Waxman Davis (VA) Jefferson Pallone the amendment offered by the gen- Jackson (IL) Obey Wexler Deal Jenkins Pappas Jackson-Lee Olver Weygand DeFazio John Parker tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) as a (TX) Ortiz Wise DeGette Johnson (CT) Pascrell substitute for the amendment offered Jefferson Owens Woolsey Delahunt Johnson (WI) Paul by the gentleman from New York (Mr. John Oxley Wynn DeLauro Johnson, E. B. Paxon SOLOMON). Johnson (WI) Pallone Yates DeLay Johnson, Sam Pease Johnson, E. B. Pascrell Young (AK) Deutsch Jones Pelosi The question was taken; and the Diaz-Balart Kanjorski Peterson (MN) Chairman announced that the ayes ap- NOES—182 Dickey Kaptur Peterson (PA) Aderholt Conyers Hastert Dicks Kasich Petri peared to have it. Archer Cooksey Hastings (WA) Dingell Kelly Pickering RECORDED VOTE Armey Cox Hayworth Dixon Kennedy (RI) Pickett Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I de- Bachus Crane Hefley Doggett Kennelly Pitts Baesler Crapo Herger Dooley Kildee Pombo mand a recorded vote. Baker Cubin Hill Doyle Kim Pomeroy A recorded vote was ordered. Barr Cunningham Hilleary Dreier Kind (WI) Porter The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the Barrett (NE) Davis (VA) Hobson Duncan King (NY) Portman Bartlett Deal Hoekstra Dunn Kingston Price (NC) Chair’s prior announcement, this will Bass DeLay Holden Edwards Kleczka Pryce (OH) be a 5-minute vote. Bateman Dickey Horn Ehlers Klink Quinn The vote was taken by electronic de- Bereuter Dreier Hunter Ehrlich Klug Radanovich vice, and there were—ayes 238, noes 182, Bilbray Duncan Hutchinson Emerson Knollenberg Rahall Bilirakis Dunn Hyde Engel Kolbe Ramstad not voting 10, as follows: Bliley Emerson Inglis English Kucinich Rangel [Roll No. 29] Blunt Everett Istook Ensign LaFalce Redmond Boehner Ewing Jenkins Eshoo LaHood Regula AYES—238 Brady Fawell Johnson (CT) Etheridge Lampson Reyes Abercrombie Blumenauer Cannon Bryant Fossella Johnson, Sam Evans Lantos Riggs Ackerman Boehlert Cardin Bunning Fowler Jones Everett Largent Riley Allen Bonilla Carson Burr Franks (NJ) Kasich Ewing Latham Rivers Andrews Bonior Castle Callahan Frelinghuysen King (NY) Farr LaTourette Rodriguez Baldacci Borski Clay Calvert Ganske Kingston Fattah Lazio Roemer Ballenger Boswell Clayton Canady Gillmor Knollenberg Fawell Leach Rogan Barcia Boucher Clement Chabot Goode LaHood Fazio Levin Rogers Barrett (WI) Boyd Clyburn Chambliss Goodlatte Largent Filner Lewis (CA) Rohrabacher Barton Brown (CA) Condit Chenoweth Goodling Latham Foley Lewis (GA) Ros-Lehtinen Becerra Brown (FL) Cook Christensen Goss LaTourette Forbes Lewis (KY) Rothman Bentsen Brown (OH) Costello Coble Graham Lewis (CA) Ford Linder Roukema Berman Burton Coyne Coburn Gutierrez Lewis (KY) Fossella Lipinski Roybal-Allard Berry Buyer Cramer Collins Gutknecht Linder Fowler Livingston Royce Bishop Camp Cummings Combest Hall (TX) Lipinski Fox LoBiondo Ryun Blagojevich Campbell Danner H812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 4, 1998 Livingston Pitts Snowbarger [Roll No. 30] Boehner Herger Regula LoBiondo Porter Solomon Brady Hill Riley Lucas Pryce (OH) Souder AYES—265 Bryant Hilleary Rogan Manzullo Quinn Spence Abercrombie Gillmor Morella Bunning Hobson Rogers McCrery Radanovich Stearns Ackerman Gilman Murtha Burr Hoekstra Rohrabacher McDade Ramstad Stenholm Allen Gordon Nadler Callahan Horn Roukema McHugh Regula Stump Andrews Granger Neal Calvert Hutchinson Royce McIntosh Riley Sununu Baldacci Green Northup Chabot Hyde Salmon Menendez Rogan Talent Ballenger Greenwood Nussle Chambliss Inglis Sanford Metcalf Rogers Taylor (NC) Barcia Hall (OH) Oberstar Chenoweth Johnson (CT) Scarborough Miller (FL) Rohrabacher Thomas Barrett (NE) Hamilton Obey Coble Johnson, Sam Schaefer, Dan Moran (KS) Roukema Thune Barrett (WI) Hansen Olver Coburn Jones Scott Myrick Royce Tiahrt Barton Hastings (FL) Ortiz Collins Kasich Sensenbrenner Nethercutt Ryun Towns Becerra Hefner Owens Combest Kingston Sessions Neumann Salmon Traficant Bentsen Hilliard Oxley Conyers Knollenberg Shadegg Ney Sanford Upton Bereuter Hinchey Pallone Cooksey LaHood Shays Northup Scarborough Velazquez Berry Hinojosa Pascrell Cox Largent Shuster Norwood Schaefer, Dan Wamp Bishop Holden Pastor Crane Latham Sisisky Nussle Schaffer, Bob Watkins Blagojevich Hooley Payne Crapo LaTourette Smith (MI) Packard Sensenbrenner Watts (OK) Boehlert Hostettler Pease Cubin Lewis (CA) Smith (OR) Pappas Sessions Weldon (FL) Bonilla Houghton Pelosi Cunningham Lewis (KY) Smith, Linda Parker Shadegg Weldon (PA) Bonior Hoyer Peterson (MN) Davis (VA) Linder Snowbarger Paul Shays Weller Borski Hulshof Peterson (PA) Deal Lipinski Solomon Paxon Shuster White Boswell Hunter Pickering DeLay Livingston Souder Pease Sisisky Whitfield Boucher Istook Pombo Dickey LoBiondo Spence Peterson (PA) Smith (MI) Wicker Boyd Jackson (IL) Pomeroy Dreier Manzullo Stearns Petri Smith (OR) Wolf Brown (CA) Jackson-Lee Portman Dunn McIntosh Stenholm Pickering Smith (TX) Young (FL) Brown (FL) (TX) Price (NC) Emerson Menendez Stump Pickett Smith, Linda Brown (OH) Jefferson Quinn Everett Metcalf Sununu Burton Jenkins Rahall Fawell Miller (FL) Talent NOT VOTING—10 Buyer John Ramstad Fowler Myrick Taylor (NC) Doolittle Luther Shimkus Camp Johnson (WI) Rangel Franks (NJ) Nethercutt Thune Gonzalez Poshard Torres Campbell Johnson, E. B. Redmond Frelinghuysen Neumann Tiahrt Harman Schiff Canady Kanjorski Reyes Ganske Ney Towns Kilpatrick Schumer Cannon Kaptur Riggs Goode Norwood Traficant Cardin Kelly Rivers Goodlatte Packard Upton Carson Kennedy (MA) Rodriguez Goodling Pappas Velazquez b 1701 Castle Kennedy (RI) Roemer Goss Parker Watkins Christensen Kennelly Ros-Lehtinen Graham Paul Watts (OK) Messrs. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado, Clay Kildee Rothman Gutierrez Paxon Weldon (FL) HASTERT, BAESLER, ROGAN, and Clayton Kim Roybal-Allard Gutknecht Petri Weldon (PA) Clement Kind (WI) Rush Hall (TX) Pickett Weller HALL of Texas changed their vote Clyburn King (NY) Ryun Hastert Pitts White from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Condit Kleczka Sabo Hastings (WA) Porter Whitfield Cook Klink Sanchez Hayworth Pryce (OH) Wicker Mrs. KELLY and Mr. SMITH of New Hefley Radanovich Wolf Jersey changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to Costello Klug Sanders Coyne Kolbe Sandlin NOT VOTING—12 ‘‘aye.’’ Cramer Kucinich Sawyer So the amendment offered as a sub- Cummings LaFalce Saxton Berman Harman Schiff Danner Lampson Schaffer, Bob Doolittle Kilpatrick Schumer stitute for the amendment was agreed Davis (FL) Lantos Serrano Furse Luther Shimkus to. Davis (IL) Lazio Shaw Gonzalez Poshard Torres DeFazio Leach Sherman b The result of the vote was announced DeGette Levin Skaggs 1711 as above recorded. Delahunt Lewis (GA) Skeen Mr. SALMON, Mr. COOKSEY, and The CHAIRMAN. The question is on DeLauro Lofgren Skelton Deutsch Lowey Slaughter Ms. DUNN changed their vote from the amendment offered by the gen- Diaz-Balart Lucas Smith (NJ) ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ tleman from New York (Mr. SOLOMON), Dicks Maloney (CT) Smith (TX) Mr. PASCRELL and Mr. BERRY as amended. Dingell Maloney (NY) Smith, Adam changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Dixon Manton Snyder The question was taken; and the Doggett Markey Spratt So the amendment, as amended, was Chairman announced that the ayes ap- Dooley Martinez Stabenow agreed to. peared to have it. Doyle Mascara Stark The result of the vote was announced Duncan Matsui Stokes as above recorded. RECORDED VOTE Edwards McCarthy (MO) Strickland Ehlers McCarthy (NY) Stupak The CHAIRMAN. The Committee will Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Chairman, I de- Ehrlich McCollum Tanner rise informally in order that the House mand a recorded vote. Engel McCrery Tauscher may receive a message. A recorded vote was ordered. English McDade Tauzin Ensign McDermott Taylor (MS) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the Eshoo McGovern Thomas HASTERT), assumed the Chair. Chair’s prior announcement, this will Etheridge McHale Thompson f be a 5-minute vote. Evans McHugh Thornberry Ewing McInnis Thurman SUNDRY MESSAGES FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Farr McIntyre Tierney PRESIDENT ´ Fattah McKeon Turner Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO (during the Fazio McKinney Vento Sundry messages in writing from the vote). Mr. Chairman, I have a par- Filner McNulty Visclosky President of the United States were liamentary inquiry. I was standing Foley Meehan Walsh Forbes Meek (FL) Wamp communicated to the House by Mr. here, and the Chairman did not see me. Ford Meeks (NY) Waters Sherman Williams, one of his secretar- The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will Fossella Mica Watt (NC) ies. Fox Millender- Waxman state it. Frank (MA) McDonald Wexler The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ . Mr. Chair- Frost Miller (CA) Weygand Committee will resume its sitting. man, I have to explain to everyone Gallegly Minge Wise f Gejdenson Mink Woolsey what this second vote is. There is con- Gekas Moakley Wynn UNITED STATES-PUERTO RICO fusion in the hall as to what this sec- Gephardt Mollohan Yates POLITICAL STATUS ACT ond vote is. Gibbons Moran (KS) Young (AK) Gilchrest Moran (VA) Young (FL) The Committee resumed its sitting. The CHAIRMAN. The Chair has ex- plained to the Members what this vote NOES—153 b 1715 is. Aderholt Baker Bilbray Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, it is The vote was taken by electronic de- Archer Barr Bilirakis my intention to offer amendment num- Armey Bartlett Bliley vice, and there were—ayes 265, noes 153, Bachus Bass Blumenauer ber 2 that was printed in the RECORD at not voting 12, as follows: Baesler Bateman Blunt this time.