April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3029 Teague Wamp Wilson (OH) The gentleman from West Virginia We are here today on the floor of the Tsongas Waxman Yarmuth (Mr. RAHALL) and the gentleman from U.S. House of Representatives because, ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Washington (Mr. HASTINGS) each will in spite of what we have gained from The SPEAKER pro tempore (during control 30 minutes. The gentlewoman each other, there has been no ultimate the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- from New York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ) will achievement in Puerto Rico’s political ing in this vote. control 30 minutes. status, which really is the greatest The Chair recognizes the gentleman commitment the U.S. has to all of our b 1332 from West Virginia. territories. Messrs. DAVIS of Illinois, CLAY, and Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I yield Since the establishment of the cur- BUYER changed their vote from ‘‘aye’’ myself such time as I may consume. rent Commonwealth status in 1952, four to ‘‘no.’’ Mr. Chairman, I have the privilege of popular votes have been held on the Messrs. GARAMENDI, DELAHUNT, representing the great State of West status of Puerto Rico in three plebi- ROTHMAN of New Jersey, RANGEL, Virginia in this body, a State that was scites and one referendum, but none of CUELLAR, ENGEL, COSTELLO, ACK- born amidst civil conflict in the middle them were sanctioned by this body, the ERMAN, NYE, FATTAH, STUPAK and of a war. It is said that West Virginia Congress of the United States. Ms. SPEIER, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Ms. is the only State to be formed by seced- Going back just to the 1970s, at least BALDWIN, and Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD ing from a Confederate State during 40 separate measures have been intro- changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ the Civil War. In fact, the western duced in Congress to resolve or clarify So the motion to table was agreed to. counties stayed loyal to the Union, Puerto Rico political status. In addi- The result of the vote was announced while Tidewater seceded from it. tion, Congress has held at least 12 hear- as above recorded. Puerto Rico also joined the American ings, and four measures have received A motion to reconsider was laid on family as a result of war. In 1898, dur- either House or Senate action. the table. ing the Spanish-American War, the is- During the last Congress, the Bush f land was invaded by the United States administration issued the President’s and was ceded by Spain to our country Task Force Report on Puerto Rico’s REQUEST TO REDUCE TIME FOR under the Treaty of Paris. The island’s Status which served as the basis for ELECTRONIC VOTING century-long history within the Amer- the legislation before us today; a task Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask ican family has been significant. Puer- force, I would point out, that was initi- unanimous consent that votes for the to Rico was one of the first areas out- ated by the Clinton administration and remainder of the day be limited to 5 side the continental United States concluded by the Bush administration. minutes. where the American flag was raised. Indeed, the entire exercise has been The SPEAKER pro tempore. The To the United States, it marked a bipartisan. The measure before us Chair will not entertain that request milestone in our own political develop- today is sponsored by the Resident without proper consultation. ment. When once our Union of States Commissioner from Puerto Rico, f was comprised of renegade English PEDRO PIERLUISI, a Democrat. It is colonies, we then stepped into a role strongly supported by a former col- GENERAL LEAVE that we previously had fought against. league and current Governor of Puerto Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask Given our own experience, would any- Rico, the Honorable Luis Fortuno, a unanimous consent that all Members one have imagined that our new colony Republican. And it was reported out of may have 5 legislative days to revise would be disenfranchised and kept un- our Natural Resources Committee by a and extend their remarks and include equal in our own political framework? vote of 30–8. extraneous material on H.R. 2499. Our commitment to Puerto Rico’s ad- With this history before us, I join The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there vancement under the 1898 Treaty of those who say it is time for Congress to objection to the request of the gen- Paris should be our judge. provide the people of Puerto Rico with tleman from West Virginia? If our measure of success is today’s an unambiguous path toward perma- There was no objection. Puerto Rico, then I state Puerto Rico nently resolving its political status f has done well by the United States. It that is consistent with the U.S. Con- is a showcase of democracy in the Car- stitution. PUERTO RICO DEMOCRACY ACT OF ibbean. Having some of the highest When our Committee on Natural Re- 2009 voter turnout rates in our Nation, sources considered similar legislation The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Puerto Rico shames many of our own in the last Congress, we exhaustively ant to House Resolution 1305 and rule States with its energy and enthusiasm examined the question of the constitu- XVIII, the Chair declares the House in in electing its leaders. Economically, it tionality of the various status options the Committee of the Whole House on is a powerhouse in the Caribbean and available under the Constitution. And the State of the Union for the consider- considered a home away from home for we continued that process during the ation of the bill, H.R. 2499. many mainland Fortune 500 companies. current Congress. What emerged from Equal in importance to Puerto Rico’s that process was a clear consensus that b 1334 political and economic prowess is the settled on the permanent status op- IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE island’s contributions to our own social tions that are reflected in the bill be- Accordingly, the House resolved fabric. Every aspect of American art, fore this body today. itself into the Committee of the Whole music, theater, and sport has been in- The Resident Commissioner from House on the State of the Union for the fluenced by Puerto Rico’s own culture Puerto Rico is to be congratulated for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2499) to and its people. And beyond such con- carefully crafting a bill which seeks to provide for a federally sanctioned self- tributions, there remains Puerto Rico’s authorize a fair, impartial, and demo- determination process for the people of patriotism, beginning in World War I cratic process for self-determination Puerto Rico, with Mr. SCHIFF in the when thousands of Puerto Ricans for the people of Puerto Rico. The chair. served in the U.S. military. There is no pending measure is straightforward. It The Clerk read the title of the bill. doubt that many more thousands are authorizes a plebiscite in which the The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the currently serving in our Armed Forces, two voting options are presented: num- bill is considered read the first time. fighting our wars, and dying for our ber one, present political status; or General debate shall not exceed 1 country. number two, a different political sta- hour and 30 minutes, with 1 hour equal- To the families who have lost a hus- tus. If option two prevails, then a sec- ly divided and controlled by the chair band, a father, a daughter or son in our ond plebiscite would be conducted in and ranking minority member of the wars, I take this moment, as we all do, which three options are presented: Committee on Natural Resources and to salute you. We can debate political independence, free association with the 30 minutes controlled by the gentle- status, but what is not subject of de- United States, or statehood. Puerto woman from New York (Ms. bate is the patriotism of the people of Rico would then certify the results to VELA´ ZQUEZ) or her designee. Puerto Rico. the President and the Congress.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:34 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29AP7.009 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3030 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 Let me be very clear on this point. right now, today, without any action of during the admission of other States Nothing in this legislation prejudges Congress. And they have done it three into the Union. And those States in- the result of these plebiscites. Nothing times in the past. clude Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma, in this legislation prejudges the result Furthermore, Congress is asking and New Mexico. So I think it’s only of these plebiscites. And voting for this Puerto Rico if it wishes to be a State fair and appropriate to address and de- legislation does not constitute a vote without a clear understanding of the bate English as the official language in for the status quo, statehood, inde- implications of statehood and the con- regard to statehood for Puerto Rico. pendence, or free association. ditions that would be required to join So, Mr. Chairman, we should not The bill is about a process, and de- the Union. First, there is the question move forward with this bill until there pending upon what occurs during that of what statehood would cost the U.S. are answers to those three issues, at process, it will be up to a future Con- taxpayers in increased Federal spend- least, that I have brought up. I think it gress to ultimately decide Puerto ing. We really don’t know the answer would be more fair and more respon- Rico’s status. to that, but we do think it is higher. sible to the residents and the 50 States Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance And the reason for that is we asked and the people if we had answers to of my time. CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, those questions before, and the condi- Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. for information on that. And they have tions of statehood, rather than doing it Chairman, I yield myself as much time not provided an up-to-date analysis of before we have even gotten to that as I may consume. the cost of statehood. So in an effort to point. Mr. Chairman, before I begin my re- somehow quantify the costs, my com- So for those reasons, Mr. Chairman, I marks, I am getting requests for time mittee staff reviewed information by urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on on the floor from a number of Mem- the Congressional Research Service. this bill. bers, and there simply is not enough The spending on just 10 Federal pro- I reserve the balance of my time. time allocated by the rule. So, Mr. grams, Mr. Chairman, would cost an es- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I timated $4.5 billion to $7.7 billion per Chairman, I ask unanimous consent yield myself such time as I may con- year. Now, that’s only 10 programs. We that each person that is allocated time sume. put all of the other costs together, you get an additional 15 minutes. Let me just say that the gentleman can only imagine that it may be higher The CHAIR. The Chair cannot enter- from West Virginia, my colleague and than that. tain that request in the Committee of friend, the chairman of the Natural Re- So before voting on this bill, I think sources, is right. This is, Mr. Chair- the Whole. that Members ought to know if there is Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. man, about process. It’s about the fact a cost and what that cost would be. that this is a flawed process. Not only Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This information could be calculated, Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposi- was this bill drafted unilaterally, but it but it is not being done. Without this was prepared in a biased manner, with tion to this bill. It strongly deviates information, in my view, H.R. 2499 from the procedures followed by other a predetermined outcome in mind. should not be passed. Let us be clear. This legislation is de- States to seek statehood, and it leaves Second, Mr. Chairman, there’s a signed to push the statehood agenda, numerous questions about the implica- question of reapportioning House seats. regardless of whether that agenda is tions of statehood unanswered in this According to CRS, based on a popu- the best solution for the island or even particular case. lation of approximately 4 million peo- among the people. The chairman of the H.R. 2499 is the wrong way to go ple, if Puerto Rico were to become a Natural Resources Committee also about achieving statehood and breaks State, it would be entitled, rightfully, mentioned that four plebiscites have from the precedents set, as I men- to two Senate seats and six seats in the tioned, of other States and, most re- U.S. House of Representatives. Without been held in Puerto Rico. Yes, he is cently, those States that we entered increasing the size—435 Members of the correct. In the past three plebiscites, into the Union in the last century, House—States could lose an existing the men and women of Puerto Rico Alaska and Hawaii. Both of these seat or not receive an additional seat have consistently voted in favor of States conducted their own vote on the after the 2010 Census. Again, this is ac- Commonwealth status and against question of statehood. When a strong cording to CRS. Those States, by the statehood. majority voted in favor of statehood in way, Mr. Chairman, include Arizona, I tell you that this legislation has no each of these cases, it was only then Missouri, New York, South Carolina, business being on the floor today. It that they went to Congress asking Texas, and my home State of Wash- raises a host of questions. It has zero them to respond to that vote. ington. The public deserves to know probability of becoming law. However, This bill has the process entirely whether their State would lose rep- it does place Members in the awkward backwards. This bill is a bill asking resentation to provide six of 435 House position of explaining why they are Puerto Rico if it wants to be a State, seats to Puerto Rico, or whether their meddling in Puerto Rico when a re- not the other way around. This is a proposed solution is that the Nation quest from Puerto Rico has not even dramatic departure from the long-es- needs more Members of Congress. In been made. tablished precedent of how other other words, increase the number of There are economic issues that we States sought admission to the Union. Members from 435 to 440 or 441. must address first. The President has ordered his White House Task Force on b 1345 Finally, Mr. Chairman, there is the question of whether English should be Puerto Rico to advise him and Con- This bill has Congress, as a result, the official language of Puerto Rico. gress on policies and initiatives that blessing statehood before Puerto Rico When a similar bill was debated in the promote job creation, education, clean even votes to express their will. Rather House in 1998, an amendment on the energy, and health care. Instead of than receiving the request of statehood issue of English as the official lan- dealing first with the very real con- from a strong majority of the people of guage was allowed to be offered on the cerns of how the people of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico, expressed through a lo- floor of this House and allowed to be survive day by day, we are telling them cally initiated vote, this bill has Con- debated. Unfortunately, this time the our priority is to debate a status bill gressmen soliciting Puerto Ricans on Democrat majority has blocked direct that will not become law. This is a dis- the question of statehood. amendments on this issue. Currently, grace. It is baffling that the statehood Now, Mr. Chair, let me be very clear. both Spanish and English are the offi- question, which lost in 1967, 1993, and I’m sympathetic to the people of Puer- cial languages of Puerto Rico. How- again in 1998, is now allowed to scheme to Rico having the right and ability to ever, as a practical matter, Puerto its way to victory. It is at the urging of vote on their own political future. But Rico is predominantly Spanish-speak- this losing side that House Members this bill is not—I want to repeat—not ing. Spanish is used in the state legis- have cosponsored a bill that would the only way that this can happen. In lature, local courts, businesses, and in push for yet another electoral process. fact, this bill is not necessary for Puer- schools. Except this time, the proposal that was to Rico to hold a self-determination Now, during our history, the matter previously rejected has been put in a vote. Puerto Rico can hold such a vote of the English language was addressed privileged position. Those who drafted

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:45 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.028 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3031 this legislation will exclude Common- to Rico is unincorporated, meaning it Talking about the bill itself, H.R. wealth status in the planned plebiscite can become a nation as well as a State. 2499 is simple, and it is fair. It identi- by developing a shell game—with a The plebiscites would determine if fies the valid political status options first-round process to legitimize it. Puerto Ricans wanted to pursue na- for Puerto Rico and authorizes a con- The process that enabled the creation tionhood or statehood. A number of gressionally sanctioned plebiscite proc- of the Commonwealth was adopted by Puerto Ricans, as we all know, want ess among those options. It shows the Congress. The Puerto Rico Constitu- statehood; some, independence; some, highest respect for the people of Puerto tion was ratified by Congress. This free association with the U.S., such as Rico by being candid with them about form of government has been upheld by the U.S. has with Palau and two other their real status choices. our U.S. courts. That is why it’s so ap- areas. It is unclear what the second I have heard the word ‘‘meddling.’’ palling, deceitful, and shameful that largest group of Puerto Ricans, those We’re not meddling. We’re assuming a the people of Puerto Rico will be de- who vote for the Commonwealth Party, responsibility. The relationship be- nied this option. No matter how much want among the real options of contin- tween Puerto Rico and the United statehood supporters complain about ued territory status, free association, States is bilateral in nature. For any Commonwealth, it’s the law of the independence, and statehood. change in the status of Puerto Rico to land. Another claim that my ranking happen, two things must happen: the Congress should not be in the busi- member and good friend Mr. HASTINGS people of Puerto Rico must request it, ness of picking winners and losers for made was that the Congress of the the 4 million American citizens strong this kind of referendum. It is not our United States would be reduced in who live in Puerto Rico, and Congress job to create artificial conditions that seats if Puerto Rico were granted must grant it. Congress is vested. will enable statehood to win a popular statehood. I’m going to quote directly It’s incredible, indeed, that in the 110 vote in Puerto Rico. Becoming a State from a CRS report that was done on years that Puerto Rico has been a ter- of the Union is something that people this issue when it said that, New States ritory, Congress has not even asked the must embrace knowingly, voluntarily, usually resulted in additions to the size 4 million American citizens living in and openly. If the people of Puerto of the House of Representatives in the Puerto Rico whether they want to re- Rico want to become a State, the 19th and early 20th century. The excep- main under the current relationship, statehood option should stand on its tions to this general rule occurred whether they want to continue having own. Why are you so afraid? There when States were formed from other Puerto Rico as a territory of the should be no need to hide behind proc- States—Maine, Kentucky, and my United States. That is a fair question. ess or petty politics. home State of West Virginia, as I have It is the threshold question. In a matter so fundamentally impor- referenced already. These State Rep- The bedrock principle of our system tant to over 4 million Puerto Ricans, resentatives came from the allocation is government by consent, and the first you would think that a public hearing of Representatives of the States from plebiscite provided in this bill informs could have been convened to listen to which the new ones had been formed. Congress whether a majority consents their views. But, no. The Committee on So I don’t think the assertion that to an arrangement that denies the 4 Natural Resources and this Congress the number of Members of Congress in million U.S. citizens the right to have know better than the people of Puerto its totality would be reduced, with the a meaningful voice in making the laws Rico. It is, after all, their future that it addition, if that were to be the out- that govern their lives. The latest ex- is at stake. It is an outrage that a con- come of Puerto Rico being a State were ample was health care reform. I worked gressional hearing on the status issue to occur. harder than anybody else in this Con- has not been held in Puerto Rico since gress to get fair treatment for my peo- b 1400 the 1990s. As many know, I have advo- ple in Puerto Rico, and I got the sup- cated for a constitutional convention Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to port of my colleagues from New York to begin the process of determining the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. of Puerto Rican origin, among others. Puerto Rico’s status. Certainly, this is PIERLUISI), the sponsor of this legisla- But you know what? It wasn’t good not the only option for going forward. tion and truly the driving force. enough. We were not treated like our But a sham of a process is definitely Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I rise fellow American citizens. The treat- not a valid democratic option for in representation of the people of Puer- ment we got fell far short of that. choosing Puerto Rico’s future. to Rico. In fact, I am the only elected If a majority of the people of Puerto Mr. Chairman, the concept of self-de- representative of the people of Puerto Rico, though, do wish to continue liv- termination is fundamental to democ- Rico in this Congress. In such capacity, ing under these conditions, we will racy. Sadly, H.R. 2499 turns its back on I introduced H.R. 2499. abide by that, and that’s the first con- this very principle. We must not allow I have heard some complaints about sultation that this bill provides for. politics to undermine our democratic process. Let’s address the complaints However, if a majority of the people of values nor be swayed by arguments about process, both the process here in Puerto Rico say to this Congress that that make no sense. If you truly want this Congress as well as the process they do not wish to continue being a to honor the contributions of Puerto that this bill provides for to happen in territory, then the bill provides the Ricans and the fabric of the Puerto Puerto Rico. only three nonterritorial options that Rican community, vote ‘‘no’’ on this The process in this Congress, crystal we can offer or include in this plebi- bill. Stand up for what is truly right. clear. I introduced the bill along with a scite in accordance with both U.S. law Choose principles over politics. Let record number of original cosponsors. and international law. Those options Puerto Ricans decide their own destiny When we compared it with any pre- are crystal clear. We don’t need stud- without undue—undue—congressional vious bill relating to the status of ies. We don’t need to define them fur- demands. Vote ‘‘no’’ on H.R. 2499. Puerto Rico, about a month later the ther than necessary. Statehood, inde- I reserve the balance of my time. committee of jurisdiction, the Com- pendence, and free association. And for Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I yield mittee on Natural Resources, held a anybody who is concerned about the myself 2 minutes. public hearing in which all political concept of free association, we’ve done Mr. Chairman, a couple of claims leaders of Puerto Rico were able to at- it before. Marshall Islands, Micronesia, have been made by previous speakers tend and testify before this Congress. A the Republic of Palau, those are free about why not have a direct vote on month later, the bill was marked up, associated states with a relationship statehood, yes or no, like Hawaii and like it should have been, and it was with the U.S. Let’s hear from the peo- Alaska did. I think it’s worth clari- amended, it was improved upon by the ple of Puerto Rico. fying here that those States were al- committee of jurisdiction. Briefings I want to speak plainly now. This bill ready incorporated territories—and the have been held. It has been discussed has been unfairly characterized as a Representative from Alaska can speak widely in this Congress as well as else- statehood bill. I am a strong proponent to this better than I can—meaning that where. So the process in this Congress of statehood for Puerto Rico; yes, it was constitutionally clear that they has been a fair process, and it’s about that’s so. But this bill is not a state- would eventually become States. Puer- time we get a vote on it. hood bill. That’s one of the options.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:45 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.031 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3032 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 And it is not binding on this Congress. legislation. I think it’s inappropriate dies and gentlemen—when that bridge Once we have the results, we will act for those that do not represent those happens, we will cross it, as far as cost accordingly. We will have discretion to people to speak out against this legis- goes. But it’s time we recognize the deal with these results. Residents of lation. I think it’s wrong not to recog- great people, the warriors of Puerto Puerto Rico have contributed so much nize that this is long overdue. Rico as they serve this country, but to this country. Our sons and daugh- Mr. Chairman, 112 years ago, 112 yet they cannot vote for their Com- ters have served alongside their fellow years ago Puerto Rico became Puerto mander in Chief. It’s time we pass this citizens from the States on countless Rico. They were supposed to be a legislation. battlefields in Europe, Asia, and the State. And I am the only Member of Mr. Chairman, as an original co-sponsor of Middle East. this House that has gone through the H.R. 2499, I am pleased that the House of The CHAIR. The time of the gen- statehood battles. This is not a state- Representatives is now considering this impor- tleman from Puerto Rico has expired. hood bill. As the Delegate has said, this tant legislation. I want to compliment the au- Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield myself 1 addi- is an opportunity to make that deci- thor of the bill, Resident Commissioner PEDRO tional minute. sion. Puerto Rico is not a territory. PIERLUISI and my good friend the Governor of As I was saying, during a late night They’re a Commonwealth. We were a Puerto Rico, Luis Fortun˜o for their tireless patrol behind enemy lines, soldiers territory. There is a great deal of dif- commitment on behalf of democracy in Puerto from Puerto Rico, Utah, Georgia watch ference. We did make that decision Rico. each others’ backs. Any differences in with the help of Congress, and we be- I have been involved in Puerto Rico democ- culture or language mean nothing. I came a State. And I am proud of that, racy for most of my Congressional career. In went to Afghanistan recently to visit and I was proud of this body. fact, it was my bill, H.R. 856 that was ap- our troops in Afghanistan. I know what I am a little disappointed in some of proved by the House of Representatives on we’re talking about. What matters is the arguments that I hear against this March 4, 1998. Prior to passage, I conducted that the flag on their uniform is the bill: This is a statehood bill. This is a two public hearings in Puerto Rico and literally same. sneak attack. It was brought on us un- heard from hundreds of Puerto Ricans who As I have said many times before, I expectedly. passionately love this country and thirst for the support statehood because I believe the This bill has been before this Con- opportunity to determine their own political fu- people of Puerto Rico have earned that gress for 18 months, and we have dis- ture. right, should they choose to exercise it, cussed this issue for 12 years and The Puerto Rican people are warm, hard- to become full and equal citizens of the longer. My bill, as I call it, the Young working, passionate and patriotic. In fact, only United States. But this is not a state- bill, was a statehood bill. That is a bill one state has proportionately sent more of hood bill. And that’s why, with all due I would have preferred, but this is not. their sons and daughters to fight for this nation respect to the gentleman from Wash- But this is what the Governor wants, than Puerto Rico. Yet, for over a century, we ington State, we will cross that bridge the Delegate wants, the Senate wants, continue to deny these brave warriors, who when we get to it. the House wants, and the people of proudly wear the uniform of this nation, the The time and the day that Puerto Puerto Rico want. I think that’s what chance to vote for their Commander in Chief. Rico, the majority of the people re- we have to consider in this House. We This is fundamentally wrong and must be changed prior to our next Presidential election. quest for statehood, you will have are not the body as a whole. We are the As someone who arrived in Alaska 50 years ample time to debate it, to deal with body of the individual that represents ago, I can certainly relate to the pleas of those it, to impose a transitional period, the people, and I’ve argued this for of my good friend former Governor and Resi- whatever this Congress or a future many years because I am one, as the dent Commissioner Carlos Romero Barcelo Congress might want to do. Delegate is. who reminds us that: ‘‘We are now being ruled I was elected to represent all of the The CHAIR. The time of the gen- by the President and Congress without the people of Puerto Rico, including those tleman has expired. consent of the people of Puerto Rico.’’ whose vision for the island’s future dif- Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield the gen- I still vividly remember the words of our fers from my own. tleman from Alaska 1 additional Former Territorial Governor and U.S. Senator, The CHAIR. The time of the gen- minute. Ernest Gruening, who would shout to anyone tleman from Puerto Rico has again ex- Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. It is time that who cared to listen that: ‘‘Let us end American pired. we act on this legislation. Let it go for- colonialism.’’ While he was talking about Alas- Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield myself 15 ad- ward. Let us do what is fair. ka, similar statements have been made by And the arguments against this legis- ditional seconds. Puerto Rican elected officials for decades. The intention of H.R. 2499 is to spon- lation, some of them are very frivolous. H.R. 2499 may not be a perfect bill. It is, sor a fair process of self-determination The English language. We were not re- however, a fair bill which does not exclude or in Puerto Rico, not to predetermine quired to have English when we became favor any status option. the outcome of that process. I have to a State. We had many different lan- It is frankly hard to believe that it has been say, in the 21st century, it is about guages, and we became a State. We do 12 years since the House last voted on a time that this Congress, at the very speak English, and we speak other lan- Puerto Rico status bill and 112 years since least, ask the 4 million American citi- guages within my State. That doesn’t Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory. It is far zens if they want to continue having hold us back or make us any less. past time to allow the 4 million people of Puer- the second-class citizenship they’re But the idea that we have 4 million to Rico to vote in a federally sanctioned plebi- earning and they’re having today. people that have waited for an oppor- scite and it would be appropriate if this the Vote in support of H.R. 4599. tunity to become a State, an inde- 111th Congress were to make that vote a re- Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. pendent nation, or whatever they wish, ality. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 min- a free association, it is time we give I urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote on H.R. 2499. We utes to the gentleman from Alaska them that opportunity. To have a body should no longer deny the people of Puerto (Mr. YOUNG). that is supposed to represent all the Rico their right to determine their own political (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was people but individually represent an future. given permission to revise and extend area, we should recognize that right, as Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I his remarks.) we did when we became a State. would like to inquire as to how much Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- I am proud that the Congress made time is remaining on each side. man, this is a rehash of 12 years ago. I us a State. We worked for that, and I The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from want to compliment the Delegate from think it’s time we give an opportunity New York has 24 minutes remaining, Puerto Rico for representing his peo- for the Puerto Ricans to make a deci- the gentleman from Puerto Rico has ple. sion as to whether they are a State 141⁄4 minutes remaining, and the gen- The Governor supports this legisla- again or whether they’re a territory, or tleman from Washington State has 22 tion, the Senate supports this legisla- whatever they want to be, but to give minutes remaining. tion, and the House supports this legis- them the opportunity. Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I lation. Strongly, the Puerto Ricans And again, when that bridge comes— yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from that represent their people support this and again, I can talk about bridges, la- New York (Mr. RANGEL).

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:45 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.033 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3033 (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given mandate. We’re not going to have a di- There is no need for the United permission to revise and extend his vided territory become a State. That States Congress to pass this bill. No remarks.) was a guy who told me that from his need. Four times, in 1952, in 1967, in Mr. RANGEL. Let me thank the background in history that he was an 1993 and in 1998, the people of Puerto chairlady from New York for allowing expert in this type of thing. Rico were able to vote on this. They me this time, and let me share the So it just seems to me that if we all didn’t need the approval of the United great respect and admiration that I accept anyone who’s known, visited, States Congress to do it; they don’t have for the gentleman from Puerto read about Puerto Rico, that their big- need it today. But it is a manipulation Rico, a hardworking man. There is no gest argument has been, majorly, those of the process to try to get a desired question in my mind that in his heart, who want statehood, those who want a outcome. he wants what is best for Puerto Rico Commonwealth, and a smaller number If you want to vote on statehood, and what is best for the United States who would like to have independence, take a straight vote. Do the people of of America. And I can say the same which sounds great politically, but Puerto Rico, yes or no, do the people of about his predecessor who has now somehow internationally it doesn’t Puerto Rico want statehood? Simple, moved on to become the Governor. make a lot of sense. straightforward, to the point, and let’s The only question that I have—since So what did my amendment do? It understand if that is truly what they I have been a friend of Puerto Rico for said, Go to the polls. Say if you want want. 39 years, not just legislatively but in Commonwealth. Say if you want state- I am a conservative person. I do not my heart, I have felt the unfairness it hood. Say if you want independence. Or believe that I should be trying to ma- is to call people citizens and yet to say, Not at this time. Let me breathe nipulate what is happening in Puerto have to acknowledge that when it and try to figure this out. Because if Rico and what they want. comes to health care, education, jobs, we don’t know what statehood is, how Finally, I will end with this. Please, the only time that you can really know do we expect them to know? as you consider this bill, understand that Puerto Ricans are treated as b 1415 that you are empowering people to Americans are treated is when they are When I asked these questions, some- vote in this election that have no busi- drafted or when they volunteer to serve one said: Oh, no, they would have al- ness voting in this election. If you were this great country of ours and when it ready rejected Commonwealth. born in Puerto Rico, you lived there 2 ends up, you will find, that per capita Well, I think some of us on this floor, months and then you suddenly moved more people from Puerto Rico have if asked if we like the status we have in to the United States and you’ve lived died and been wounded defending our the Congress, we might say, especially here for the last 30, 40 years, you get to flag than from any State or any terri- some of my friends on the other side, vote in this election. Why should a tory. So it just seems to me that some- that they don’t like the status. Well, if resident of Utah or Indiana vote in an thing has to be done. It is so truly un- I was in the minority, I wouldn’t like election in Puerto Rico? That is fun- fair to respect our flag and respect our the status either. But the truth of the damentally wrong and it is there be- citizens and to tell them that they can matter is it doesn’t mean that you cause they want to manipulate the end fight a war when they can’t even vote want to get rid of it all. It may mean result. for the President. I don’t like the status as it is. I would This is about Puerto Rico and the And, quite frankly, as far as the sta- like to change it. I would like to have vote should be taken in Puerto Rico by tus is concerned, it has hurt me as an it improved. I would like to improve the people of Puerto Rico if the people American that this has consumed the education and I would like to make of Puerto Rico choose to do so, and not island. And for the first time in a cou- certain that the expenses that Mr. because of the heavy hand of the ple of months, I have heard about free HASTINGS talks about in terms of pro- United States Congress. I urge my col- association. I have more Puerto Ricans grams that are designed to help Amer- leagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ ´ in my district in New York than prob- ican citizens, that they would get Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I ably in San Juan. I have never heard them. yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from anyone talk about free association. I What price does it take to give your Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ). don’t even know whether Members of life for your flag and then find out how Mr. GUTIERREZ. I thank the gentle- the Congress know what free associa- much it is going to cost to give them lady. tion is. As a matter of fact, a couple of the things that Americans would want. Look, this is the Puerto Rico 51st people have asked me, since I’ve been So my problem is that Commonwealth State bill. It is the only result you can here, who is our Ambassador to Puerto doesn’t get a chance. They call the ex- possibly expect. The deck is stacked. Rico anyway and what is the exchange isting government, which I don’t really We all know. I was talking to my of currency. think means rejection of status, be- friends on the other side, and you know And to see what was happening on cause there is a lot of romance and what they keep saying to me: Why are the rule, it is clear to me on both sides emotion that is involved in Puerto you against statehood? Everywhere I of the aisle, they want to know, What Rico. So give them the opportunity to go: Why are you against statehood? is this all about? It’s about the lives of say Commonwealth, but we don’t need They don’t say: Why are you against 4 million people, that’s what it’s about. free association when hardly anyone the people of Puerto Rico having a free We should at least know what we are here knows, especially the people in vote in determining their future and in doing before we superimpose some Puerto Rico, what does it mean. exercising their right to self-deter- ideas that we have on other people. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. mination? I had an amendment—the Rules Com- Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 Why do we come here and try to like mittee rejected it—and all it did was minute to the gentleman from Utah hoodwink one another, fool one an- adopt everything except, what do the (Mr. CHAFFETZ), and I understand that other. I mean, you know what I would people have to choose from, statehood? he also gets 1 minute from the gentle- like to see on the House floor, the same You bet your life. They would be enti- lady from New York. depth of honesty, sincerity and clarity tled to it. And no matter which way Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, and transparency that exists when peo- they work out the number of votes— that is correct. ple come up to me and ask why I am even though Tom Foley once told me The CHAIR. The gentleman from against statehood for Puerto Rico. when I thought that statehood was Utah is recognized for 2 minutes. That is not why I am up here. I am really going to pass in Puerto Rico, I Mr. CHAFFETZ. Thank you, Mr. against a process that does not allow said, Mr. Chairman, how are we going Chairman, and thank you for the time. the people of Puerto Rico to exercise to handle this question with the Mem- Isn’t it ironic that a bill about self- their sovereign right to determine bers? How are we going to handle the determination has got to have the their future in a free manner. question of what parties these people heavy hand of the United States Con- Now, what does that mean? Every- are going to belong to? He said, Forget gress dictating to the people of Puerto body says well, there are 4 million it, CHARLIE. The only time we’re going Rico about this vote. I find that ter- American citizens in Puerto Rico. Have to have statehood is when there is a ribly ironic. you ever considered one thing, that the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:34 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.037 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 proponents of statehood, the pro- As a matter of fact, the last time let me just add further, there has been ponents of statehood have never said there was a plebiscite in Puerto Rico in much said about the importance of that the Puerto Rican team must be 1998, do you know which option won? American citizenship and there are part of the U.S. Olympic team? Have This option beat statehood: none of the many Puerto Ricans who cherish their you ever thought about that contradic- above, received over 50 percent of the American citizenship and have fought tion that exists? I am happy to have vote. for their American citizenship. But if statehood with a Puerto Rican Olympic I yield to the gentleman from Wash- you have 4 million American citizens team, and would support such a state- ington. and they don’t want to incorporate as a hood; but does the Congress support Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I State, shouldn’t we respect that? such a statehood? thank the gentleman for yielding. Here’s the logic, they were American The fact is that the gentleman from In my opening remarks, I stated the citizens; therefore, they deserve state- Puerto Rico is doing a wonderful job on reasons why I had a problem with this hood. The finality of it all, the justice this bill, knows and understands that procedure, and I did not mention the of it all, right, the correct course of it the language that is used in Puerto option that you talked about, associa- all is to grant them statehood. Rico is the Spanish language. It is the tion. I think if they wanted independence language of government. It is the lan- I just wonder if the gentleman knows tomorrow and they are citizens of the guage of commerce. It is the language or maybe can help me, where did that United States, and let me just say, it of industry. It is the language of the come from? seems to me that George Washington courts. It is the common language of Mr. GUTIERREZ. You know, I am and Thomas Jefferson were subjects of the people of Puerto Rico. And you kind of like Mr. RANGEL. I mean, this the king, and one day they got up and know what, I would love to see the 51st definition is a new definition. Now I said we want to be free. They didn’t State have Spanish as their primary will tell you this, the gentleman from quite agree with them, but that also is language. Puerto Rico represents the Statehood an option for American citizens. But do you not think the Congress of Party in Puerto Rico. He came down You know what, maybe these 4 mil- the United States should consider such here and he defined his own status or a lion American citizens don’t want to a fact? And the reason I put this to you lack of definition of his status. But you become a State because they love their is because they keep saying, remember know what the next thing he did was, language; because they love their cul- those words, ‘‘mandated by the Con- he defined the opposition status. ture; because they love their idiosyn- gress.’’ This is plebiscite mandated by You know, that reminds me of kind crasies; because they love applauding the Congress. So what they are going of like Barack Obama going to JOHN for their Olympic team when it goes to do is have a plebiscite mandated by MCCAIN during the election and saying: out there on the international stage; the Congress where the statehooders Tell you what, why don’t you tell me because so many Miss Universes come get to define what statehood is during what my platform is, write it for me, from Puerto Rico. What if that is what their plebiscite. They are going to have and that’s what I’m going to run on they want, should we not respect that a Congress where independence gets to later on. decision? Mr. SMITH of Texas. Would the gen- be defined, and the only one that we You cannot allow this to happen be- tleman yield? define is the relevant current status in cause it is not a democratic process. The result is already. Let me just share Mr. GUTIERREZ. I yield. Puerto Rico. That is the only one that Mr. SMITH of Texas. I thank you for with the gentleman that Senator WICK- we define. yielding. I want to take a minute so that we ER, and I am going to ask that his It seems to me that this bill is al- can see how absurd, it says here, and statement be included in the RECORD at most the exact opposite of self-deter- this is the definition, sovereignty in as- the appropriate moment, just issued a mination. Self-determination would be sociation with the United States, a po- statement straight over from the other allowing the people in Puerto Rico to litical relationship between sovereign body, saying he’s going to oppose this determine whether or not to have a ref- nations not subject to the territorial measure. It hasn’t even been adopted erendum, a plebiscite, and what the clause of the United States Constitu- and they are already going to oppose questions would be. Hopefully it would tion. it, so we all know what the end result be a straightforward question, as they You don’t think that’s going to con- and futility is of what we do here have had three or four times in the fuse some people? Just think about it a today. They are already telling us that past, but to have Congress mandate moment. What does that mean? Okay, they are going to oppose this, and what the people of Puerto Rico have to so I guess at this point what the Con- there is no companion bill. do, that they have to have a plebiscite, gress of the United States is saying, if Does the gentleman have another have to have these questions on the this is the winner, this is the winner, question? ballot, it seems to me that is the oppo- Puerto Rico is sovereign. It means Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. If the site of self-determination and it is as Puerto Rico is independent. gentleman would yield, this is a point you said, a congressional mandate. Is Does the FBI got to go? Does the IRS because my argument was, and I stated that how you see it as well? go that day? No, seriously, who con- three other issues, we ought to know trols immigration in and out of Puerto what we are doing because it has been b 1430 Rico? Who controls the ports? The Fed- suggested that this is not a statehood Mr. GUTIERREZ. You know, I do, I eral Government is gone, do we stop bill. But I have responded to at least see this as a congressional mandate. sending Social Security checks? Medi- that remark by saying it may not be a And you know what? We should not care and Medicaid, are they suspended? strict statehood bill, but it certainly mandate statehood. Citizens organized I mean, think about it one moment. gives blessing to an outcome on which of the United States of America, in in- What is it that occurs at that moment? we don’t know what that outcome is. If corporated or unincorporated territory, I would love to see a relationship be- it becomes association, then what do under or outside the territorial clause tween the United States and Puerto we do? of the Constitution of the United Rico where Puerto Rico is an inde- I just want to say that I think the States, should, together, in a vast ma- pendent sovereign nation. That is my gentleman makes a good point because jority, I believe—because, listen, this is belief. But ladies and gentlemen, I will the bottom line in all of this is there like me going to my wife, and I ask not impose my beliefs on the people of are too many unanswered questions on her, Will you marry me? And she kind Puerto Rico. The people of Puerto a process where we are blessing an out- of hesitates and she says, How about if Rico, as the gentleman from Utah re- come to make a determination whether I’m loyal 50 percent of the time? How ferred to earlier, they said, No. They we should have another, add to our about 60 percent of the time? How said, No. They said, No. How many Union the 51st State. I think that is se- about if we condition this relationship? times do we have to say ‘‘no’’? Do not rious, and I appreciate the gentleman Come on. That’s what we’re talking impose a result that the people of for yielding. about here. We had a civil war to de- Puerto Rico have rejected freely and Mr. GUTIERREZ. Thank you. This is cide this. Once a State, always a State. which they can constitute. what I think we genuinely need. But Be careful what you wish for.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:42 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.040 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3035 Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I of the House and that any manifesta- in war. Four million residents of Puer- yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from tions of approval or disapproval of pro- to Rico are American citizens and they Guam (Ms. BORDALLO). ceedings or other audible conversation are bound by Federal law, and yet Con- Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Chairman, I is in violation of the rules of the gress has never asked Puerto Ricans to rise in support of H.R. 2499, the Puerto House. officially express their views on the is- Rico Democracy Act of 2009, introduced Mr. BURTON of Indiana. The people land’s political status. by my colleague, Congressman PEDRO who want to have this determination This legislation does not bind future PIERLUISI. made are the people of Puerto Rico, Congresses. H.R. 2499 doesn’t require As the chairwoman of the Sub- and their elected representatives alto- the Federal Government to create a committee on Insular Affairs, Oceans gether say let’s have this bill passed. Puerto Rican state, nor does it force us and Wildlife, I fully support this bill And yet people from New York and to work toward Puerto Rican independ- which the full Natural Resources Com- from Washington—I mean, I don’t ence. This bill simply asks the citizens mittee reported out favorably on July know how close the State of Wash- of Puerto Rico whether they want to 22 last year. ington is to Puerto Rico, but it’s about remain a U.S. territory in their current H.R. 2499 is an important bill for 4,000 miles, maybe 5,000, and New York status or whether they would prefer an- Puerto Rico and the other U.S. terri- is quite a ways away. Why don’t we lis- other political status. And if it turns tories. As the delegate from Guam, I ten to what the elected representatives out they favor another political status, understand the desire of residents in of Puerto Rico want. another vote would then be authorized the territories to decide their future And it’s Democrat and Republican. to determine which status option they and make a determination about their This is not a partisan issue. So my prefer. political future. Unlike other speakers view is, let’s let them have the plebi- Considering the context and the his- here this afternoon, we on Guam are scite. Let’s come up with a process tory wrapped up in this issue, this leg- also in this same process of trying to that will work. We’ve tried this before, islation is as fair as you can possibly determine our status. H.R. 2499 will and it has been split up all over the expect. I would hope that this House provide the people of Puerto Rico a place. This process will work. It will would respond by passing this legisla- congressionally sanctioned process to boil it down to what the people of tion and sending the message to the express their preference regarding Puerto Rico really want. I believe they people of Puerto Rico that Congress their political status. want statehood, and we ought to let would welcome their telling us what Each territory, Mr. Chairman, is on a them determine that. If their rep- they prefer their status to be. That is a different path towards self-determina- resentatives want it, if their Governor choice that they will make in a free tion, and what is appropriate for Puer- wants it, if everybody else wants it, and open process, and they can proceed to the second question or not. But we to Rico may not be suitable for other and if they are sacrificing their lives will have asked them, instead of what territories. But I firmly believe that for this country, then by gosh we ought we’ve seen in the past is people scram- the process established by H.R. 2499 is to give them a chance to be a State. the best way, and I urge my colleagues Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, bling, depending upon political advan- tage in Puerto Rico, one particular to vote ‘‘yes.’’ may I inquire as to how much time re- time trying to rush to get a vote or get Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. mains on every side. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from a statement or get a plebiscite. This is a process that’s set out, it’s fair, and minute to the gentleman from Indiana New York has 81⁄2 minutes remaining; we should support it. (Mr. BURTON), and I understand the the gentleman from Puerto Rico has Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. gentleman from Puerto Rico will yield 121⁄4 minutes remaining; and the gen- Chairman, I am pleased to yield 1 him 1 minute as well. tleman from Washington State has 20 minute to the gentleman from Cali- Mr. PIERLUISI. That is correct. minutes remaining. fornia (Mr. MCCLINTOCK). The CHAIR. The gentleman from In- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I reserve the bal- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. I thank the gen- diana is recognized for 2 minutes. ance of my time. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- tleman for yielding. Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. Chairman, the proponents have a man, this is so muddied up I don’t yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from problem. They want statehood for know if anybody that’s paying atten- California (Mr. GEORGE MILLER). Puerto Rico, but the people of Puerto tion really understands what’s going Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Rico keep voting ‘‘no.’’ Well, what to on. I thank the gentleman for yielding. do. Well, they replace a straight- This is just a process, that’s all it is. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of forward up-or-down vote with a very The people who are going to decide H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy clever two-step process. If 40 percent whether or not any territory becomes a Act, introduced by our colleague, Mr. support the Commonwealth and only 20 State is this body and the Senate. PIERLUISI. percent favor each of three alter- What we are asking for is a rec- Many of us on the Natural Resources natives, the overwhelming plurality is ommendation from the people of Puer- Committee, including myself, Mr. RA- defeated on the first ballot, and they’re to Rico. They’re dying for this country; HALL, and Mr. YOUNG, have been grap- left only to choose among three op- more have died percentage-wise in con- pling with this issue of political status tions, none of which they support. And flicts than any State in the Union. for Puerto Rico for decades, and we then, just to be sure, proponents stuff Their Governor wants this plebiscite, each have the scars to prove it. We the ballot box by letting non-Puerto their Representative wants this plebi- have held numerous hearings over the Ricans vote just as long as they were scite, their state senate wants this years in Washington and in Puerto born there. Well, that means that, as a plebiscite, and the state house of rep- Rico. We have listened to the rep- Californian, I should be entitled to vote resentatives want this plebiscite. They resentatives of not only the political in New York’s elections because I was know what this bill is. They’ve come parties, but the citizens of Puerto Rico, born there. and they’ve testified before the Re- and we’ve heard testimony from across This bill isn’t needed for a ref- sources Committee. They know, and the spectrum, including the representa- erendum. Puerto Rico can do that on they represent the people of Puerto tives of each of the political parties in its own. The purpose of this bill is to Rico. Puerto Rico. In light of all that experi- imply congressional support of this So these people coming down here ence, I am convinced that Congress rigged election process that has no from New York and everyplace else, must provide the people of Puerto Rico legal effect, that has surrendered any they don’t know; they don’t know what the opportunity to voice their pref- moral validity, and that promises only they’re talking about. erences. That is what today’s legisla- to set off bitter divisions within the ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR tion would do, a fair opportunity for a Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The CHAIR. The gentleman will sus- self-determination process. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. pend. Puerto Rico has been a territory for Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 min- The Chair will remind all persons in 112 years, and it has been an important utes to the gentlelady from Florida the gallery that they are here as guests part of this country in peacetime and (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN).

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:42 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.042 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3036 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank my tives of Puerto Rico to vote in the ref- In 1982, President Ronald Reagan good friend from Washington for the erendum even if they now live in the said, ‘‘Puerto Ricans have borne the re- time. United States. sponsibilities of U.S. citizenship with I rise in strong support of H.R. 2499, Second, the poverty rate in Puerto honor and courage for more than 64 the Puerto Rico Democracy Act. This Rico is almost 45 percent, twice that of years. They have fought beside us for bill will provide a congressionally our poorest State, Mississippi. The decades and have worked beside us for sanctioned process by which U.S. citi- Congressional Budget Office estimated generations.’’ He also added Puerto zens of Puerto Rico can determine in 1990 that if Puerto Rico were to be- Rico’s ‘‘strong tradition of democracy their preferences regarding the terri- come a State, Federal entitlement and provides leadership and stability’’ in tory’s political status. welfare costs for Puerto Rico would the Caribbean. I agree. This is not a bill to admit Puerto jump by 143 percent. That was 20 years If the American citizens of Puerto Rico as the 51st State. This bill, in- ago. If Puerto Rico does become a Rico choose independence, I will sup- stead, would enable Puerto Ricans to State, the additional cost to American port that vote. If the American citizens determine their status preference by taxpayers of government benefits are of Puerto Rico choose statehood, I will presenting all of the options possible likely to be in the tens of billions of support that vote. I am equally con- under the law. They would be presented dollars, but no cost analyses have been fident that this Congress will be able to through a series of votes. released. One can only guess why. resolve any difficult issues about tax- In the first plebiscite, voters will de- Third, let’s acknowledge that to ation, obligations of individuals and, cide if they want a continuation of the some this bill is a Democratic power most importantly, about the need for current status or to change status. If play. The Pew Hispanic Center re- English to be the official language voters decide to change status, a sec- ported in 2008 that 61 percent of Puerto prior to any offering of citizenship to ond plebiscite will be held on the three Rican registered voters were Demo- that territory. viable options for change: independ- crats, 11 percent were Republicans, and The American citizens of Puerto Rico ence, statehood, or free association 24 percent were independents. have fought, have bled, and have died with the U.S. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues in our military, on virtually every con- The Puerto Rico Democracy Act does to oppose this bill for any or all of tinent, in order to spread democracy not include the misguided ‘‘enhanced these reasons. and the right of self-determination. It Commonwealth option.’’ An enhanced Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. seems to me it would be the height of Commonwealth, as envisioned by the Chairman, I am pleased to yield 3 min- hypocrisy for this Congress to deny the bill’s critics, perpetuates the false hope utes to the Republican Conference very same rights for which Americans have fought all over this world to the that Puerto Ricans can have the best chairman, Mr. PENCE. of both worlds: they can have U.S. citi- (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- American citizens of Puerto Rico. I know this is a difficult and a con- zenship and national sovereignty; they mission to revise and extend his re- tentious debate, and I hold in the high- can receive generous Federal funding marks.) est regard my colleagues who take a and have the power to veto those laws Mr. PENCE. I thank the gentleman different view; but for me, for Presi- with which it disagrees. If included as for yielding. dent Ronald Reagan, and for all free- a viable option, an enhanced Common- I rise in support of the Puerto Rico dom-loving Americans, I believe with wealth proposal would permanently Democracy Act, which simply grants all of my heart the time has come to empower Puerto Rico to nullify Fed- the people of Puerto Rico a say in their adopt the Puerto Rico Democracy Act eral laws and court jurisdiction. An en- future. and to begin the process of allowing hanced Commonwealth option would First, a little history lesson. The the American citizens of Puerto Rico also set the stage for Puerto Rico to American flag has flown over Puerto to determine what will be their des- enter into international organizations Rico for more than a century. It has tiny, and we will determine it as well. and trade agreements, all while being been a U.S. territory since 1898. The Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. under the military and financial pro- people of Puerto Rico have been citi- Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 min- tection of the United States. zens of the United States since 1917. utes to the gentleman from Tennessee It is no surprise that this proposal Citizens born in Puerto Rico are nat- (Mr. DUNCAN). has been soundly rejected as a viable ural-born U.S. citizens bound by Fed- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I option by the U.S. Department of Jus- eral law. They pay Federal payroll yield 2 additional minutes to the gen- tice, the State Department, the Clin- taxes, and they are even eligible to be tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN). ton administration, and the Bush ad- elected President. The CHAIR. The gentleman from ministration. It is time that the people American citizens from Puerto Rico Tennessee is recognized for 4 minutes. of Puerto Rico are given real options have been drafted into military service Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in for the future political status of their during World War II and every war ever opposition to this bill. homeland and not false promises. since—five Medal of Honor winners First of all, I would like to thank the Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I urge my from Puerto Rico—65,034 Puerto Ricans gentleman from Washington State and colleagues to join me in supporting served in World War II alone. the gentlewoman from New York for this bill before us today. b 1445 yielding me this time. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. I have been to Puerto Rico three Chairman, I am very pleased to yield 2 It has been an enormous contribution times. The people there have treated minutes to the gentleman from Texas to the life of this Nation by these me in a very kind way, as kind as any (Mr. SMITH). American citizens. place I have ever been, and I think Mr. SMITH of Texas. First of all, I As a conservative who believes in the Puerto Rico is a wonderful place. thank the ranking member of the com- power of self-determination and of in- I served with Governor Fortun˜ o, who mittee and the gentleman from Wash- dividual liberty, I believe the 4 million is the main proponent of this bill, and ington State for yielding. American citizens in the Common- Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila before Mr. Chairman, there are at least wealth of Puerto Rico should be able to him. I have great respect for and, I three reasons to oppose this bill, any voice their opinions about Puerto hope, friendship with both of those one of which should be persuasive. Rico’s relationship to the United men, but I oppose this bill. First, it rigs a proposed new ref- States, although the ultimate deter- The Washington Times said in an edi- erendum to force Puerto Ricans to mination of that fate rests with this torial yesterday that this is a bad bill, choose what they have voted against Congress, and I am pleased to stand in written ‘‘to stack the deck in favor of four times in the past, statehood. It a long line of Republicans who have statehood for Puerto Rico’’ and that it does not provide Puerto Ricans with a taken that view. Every Republican ‘‘actually tramples self-determination fair, straightforward way to choose President for the last 50 years has been in favor of an underhanded political among statehood, independence, and committed to self-determination and power grab.’’ remaining a Commonwealth. The bill democracy for the American citizens in Those aren’t my words. Those are the also allows U.S. citizens who are na- Puerto Rico. words of the Washington Times.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:42 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.044 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3037 The Times’ editorial went on to read, ignorance. Well, I’ll repeat what I have One very important point: People say ‘‘The bill is deliberately designed to been saying all week. that the Commonwealth is defeated. unfairly make it harder for Puerto I grew up in New York. I don’t live in No. In the first vote, you can choose to Rico to keep its current status as a ter- Puerto Rico, but I know one thing for remain a Commonwealth. In the second ritory with special benefits rather than a fact, not an opinion, which is that vote, you stop being a colony. as a State.’’ Puerto Ricans, from the age of about 10 Vote for this bill. The fairest way to have a vote on or 12, know the status issue, discuss Mr. RAHALL. I reserve the balance this issue would have been to have a the status issue, and debate the status of my time. simple, straightforward ballot with issue on a daily basis. It is the number Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. three choices—statehood, Common- one concern on the island. Therefore, Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 min- wealth, or independence. However, the no one will vote for statehood who does utes to the gentleman from California proponents of this bill seem to know not believe in statehood. No one will (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN). Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- that the statehood option would not re- vote for independence who is forced to fornia. Mr. Chairman, as an original ceive over half of the vote in a fair, vote for independence. No one will vote cosponsor of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico for free association who is forced to simple, straightforward ballot. Each Democracy Act, I stand here proudly in vote. They will do it because they be- time Puerto Rico has voted on this support of this bill. I am somewhat sur- issue, less than half the people have lieve in it and because they believe it prised by some of the criticism reg- voted for statehood. is the right thing to do. istered here. I understand how we can Some in Congress have asked, Why When Alaska and Hawaii were admit- have differences of opinion, but to sug- ted to the Union, some 80 or 85 percent don’t they do it on their own? Because, gest that somehow this undermines the of the people in those States voted for when they have done it on their own, authority of the Congress of the United and wanted statehood. This is not the we have ignored it. States or that it is somehow contrary Then there is another reason, one case in Puerto Rico. to the Constitution is just beyond the I have serious reservations about that may offend people if you don’t pale as far as I can see. making a territory a State with less present it properly: Puerto Rico did As the gentleman who just spoke be- than half the people who really want not invade the United States. The fore me said, this is an attempt to get that status. In addition, the last time United States invaded Puerto Rico in an idea of how the people of Puerto this issue came up, it was estimated 1898, and it has held it. According to Rico feel about this very important that it would have an immediate im- the Constitution, it is up to the United issue. They are American citizens. Peo- pact of several billions of dollars on the States Congress to dispose of, if you ple have raised all sorts of scenarios Federal budget. With the economy the will, the territory or to adjust the ter- about what may or may not happen. Go way it is now, statehood for Puerto ritorial status. If we tell them to do back and look at how other States Rico would be even more expensive whatever they please, we will ignore have been admitted to the Union. Ulti- today. As one previous speaker pointed what they do. If we tell them to do mately, the decision is made by this out, Puerto Rico could set up a vote on something, then it will be part of a Congress. this any time they want, but the state- process—again, that word ‘‘process.’’ I remember reading about Utah. hood proponents want Congress to rig So it is our responsibility to tell them When they were a territory, Utah the election in favor of statehood. to hold this vote. wasn’t accepted in the Union until That is not the right way to do this, Now, if they hold the vote and deter- they changed a certain policy on mar- Mr. Chairman, so I oppose this bill. For mine that they wish to become an inde- riage. It was an extraordinary change all of these reasons, I urge my col- pendent nation, we will then be able to that was required, but that was what leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill and to say, Well, you asked for that with 45 happened. Congress didn’t supinely defeat the gimmick process that we are percent of the vote. Can you go back stand here or lay down there and say, dealing with here today. and take another vote and come back Oh, yes. You’ve said you want to be a Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I with 80 percent? Similarly, if they vote State. Therefore, we take no action. reserve the balance of my time. for statehood, we could say, No, you This is a way of our getting a meas- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I yield didn’t come here, asking us for a cer- ure of the sentiment of the people of 4 minutes to the gentleman from New tain amount. You have to go back. Puerto Rico. I don’t see why we should York (Mr. SERRANO). So my point is that this bill does not be upset about that. I know there are (Mr. SERRANO asked and was given end the process. With all due respect to some outside observers who have sug- permission to revise and extend his re- my colleagues on both sides who op- gested that somehow this undermines marks.) pose the bill, do you honestly believe the Constitution and that somehow Mr. SERRANO. I thank the gen- that Congress would give anybody there is the Tennessee’s plot. Examine tleman. statehood just based on the first simple the history of Tennessee. Examine the So much has been said today about vote? I can assure you that, if state- history of the response of Congress. It what this bill does. Yet so little is un- hood is ever to come to Puerto Rico, is absolutely historically factual that derstood, perhaps, about what this bill there will be a vote to accept the re- Congress decides under what terms a really does. The bill continues to be a sults of Puerto Rico’s vote. There will new State will be formed, when and if bill I support strongly because, if noth- be a vote to grant statehood to Puerto we will accept a new State. So all I am saying is allow this to go ing else, the strength of it is that it be- Rico. Then there will be a vote asking forward. Allow us to find out what the gins a process. the Puerto Ricans ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ if sentiment is here. Our good friend Luis When I have told many Members of they accept statehood. It is just not Fortuno is not someone who shows lit- what the bill doesn’t do, they ask me, going to happen. The process will take tle respect for the Constitution. Then why do you support it? years. We are not doing what people Pass this bill. I support it because it begins a proc- think we are doing. Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I ess. I support it because, for the first What we are doing is being honest to yield myself such time as I may con- time in 112 years, the people of Puerto the comments we make on a daily sume. Rico will have an opportunity to ex- basis, which are that we go overseas to I just want to ask the gentleman press themselves, to say what they fight for freedom and independence, for from California a question: So, basi- wish. Then we don’t have to act on it. the ability to be free people and to cally, in listening to your argument, I suspect that we will, but we won’t be make free choices. Yet we’re going to you are clearly stating that this is a imposing anything on anyone. say today that we won’t allow 4 million pro-statehood bill, aren’t you? Another argument is that this bill American citizens to simply advise us Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- forces statehood on Puerto Rico, but on this choice? That is a mistake. That fornia. If the gentlewoman would yield, that argument is made by people who truly is un-American. What do we have No. say there is no majority in support of to fear—that the territory may ask for Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Reclaiming my statehood in Puerto Rico. Therefore, a change in its status? It might choose time, Mr. Chairman, I would like to in- people would be voting out of—what?— not to do so. quire how much time remains.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:42 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.047 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3038 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from English. Eighty-five percent of Puerto The Burton language is contrary to Con- New York has 71⁄2 minutes remaining. Ricans will self-profess that they are gress’ uniform historical practice when the The gentleman from Puerto Rico has not proficient in English. They have language of government of a potential state was in genuine doubt. Congress required— 61⁄4 minutes remaining. The gentleman very little understanding of English. not ‘‘promoted’’—English to be the language 1 In fact, I will introduce into the from Washington State has 8 ⁄2 minutes of instruction for public schools in Arizona, remaining. RECORD the Latin American Herald New Mexico, and Oklahoma as a condition Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I reserve the bal- Tribune, dated April 26, where the Sec- for statehood. ance of my time. retary of Education in Puerto Rico, the I urge any member who cares about Eng- Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield 1 minute to Governor’s Secretary, said, English is lish’s role in our national unity to oppose the gentleman from the Northern Mar- taught in Puerto Rico as if it were a this version of the legislation. iana Islands. foreign language and 85 percent aren’t Sincerely, Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in proficient in it. MAURO E. MUJICA, Chairman of the Board, U.S. English, Inc. support of H.R. 2499. I will also introduce into the RECORD As the newest member of the Amer- a letter from U.S. English, Incor- porated. Among it is a statement I [From the Latin American Herald Tribune, ican family just 35 years ago, on a pleb- Apr. 26, 2010] iscite called an act of free political think that’s very important to con- sider here in this body, which says: ‘‘No PUERTO RICAN GOVERNMENT WANTS self-determination, we went to the bal- BILINGUAL NATION lot and had one choice only—Common- State has ever been allowed to come into the Union when its core organs of SAN JUAN.—The Puerto Rican government wealth. wants to establish programs for teaching For us to say that Congress can give government operate in a foreign lan- English to make the younger generations bi- Puerto Rico the options it has in H.R. guage, and Puerto Rico must not be an lingual on an island where 85 percent of the 2499, because it appears as if it’s only exception.’’ And, Mr. Chairman, it population admits to having only a very statehood, we do this all the time, Mr. points out that Arizona, New Mexico, basic idea of the language. Chairman. We’re not doing it now. We and Oklahoma had those conditions as Education Secretary Odette Pin˜ eiro said go to war. We are trying to give people conditions coming into statehood. Tuesday in an interview with Efe that the I just would make this point, that I department supports the initiative of Puerto free will and freedom. Yet we tell them Rico’s resident commissioner in Washington, it is freedom in association with the wouldn’t rise here today and take this position here today, since 1917 or even Pedro Pierluisi, to ask for more federal fund- United States. It took Puerto Rico 100 ing for teaching English in the public schools years of being part of the United the last 50 years. If the practice of edu- of this U.S. commonwealth. States. Only in the past 12 years has cation and government in Puerto Rico ‘‘Spanish and English are the official lan- this discussion started. had been the unifying common lan- guages of Puerto Rico, that is established,’’ guage, we would be unified as a people. Pin˜ eiro said, adding that the point of the b 1500 Let’s start that path and have this dis- proposal is to give public school students on It’s about time. Let’s put the ques- cussion in a generation. the island the same opportunities as those who go to private schools. tion to the people of Puerto Rico. Give Congressman DOC HASTINGS, Pin˜ eiro also said that the measure will Ranking Member, House Natural Resources them an option. They could choose make sure that when young people on the is- Committee, Longworth House Office Build- statehood; they could choose to remain land finish their studies they will be able to a Commonwealth. Let’s pass H.R. 2499. ing, Washington, DC. DEAR CONGRESSMAN HASTINGS: On behalf of perform correctly both in Spanish and in I urge my colleagues to support it. 1.8 million members of U.S. English, we op- English, which she said was something Puer- Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. pose the current version of H.R. 2499, the to Rican society was asking for. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 min- Puerto Rico Democracy Act. H.R. 2499 fails She was referring to an initiative an- utes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. to address the serious language questions nounced by Pierluisi to ask that Title III funds be quadrupled for Puerto Rico, which KING). pertaining to Puerto Rico’s status, and com- Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the gen- pounds this error by pretending to address would bring to $14 million per year the these issues. This vote will be featured amount the Caribbean island would get for tleman from Washington for yielding that purpose. and for leading on this issue. prominently in the legislative scorecard we distribute to our members. Pin˜ eiro said that preceding administra- Mr. Chairman, I want to just add to As you are aware, Puerto Rico’s current tions lost their chance to access those funds this discussion and deliberation that policies with respect to language have never by not presenting the corresponding applica- what really happens here is that if this been allowed for any incoming state. tion the right way. should pass today, and I rise in opposi- While English is mandatory in Puerto The secretary said that the measure ‘‘will tion to H.R. 2499, Mr. Chairman, but it Rico’s public schools, it is taught as a for- improve employment opportunities’’ for the sets up a momentum, it sets up a level eign language, and instruction rarely ex- Caribbean island’s young people, after com- menting that ‘‘English is taught in Puerto of expectations, and the sequence of ceeds one hour per day. Unsurprisingly, just 20 percent of Puerto Rico’s residents speak Rico as if it were a foreign language.’’ events being the question that would English fluently. California has the lowest ‘‘The idea is to give the necessary re- go before Puerto Ricans and those who proficiency rate among the 50 states, and its sources to kids in public schools so they were born in Puerto Rico that would rate is 80 percent. have the same opportunities,’’ she said. live in any of the other 50 States pre- Puerto Rico’s local courts and legislature For her part, the director of the Linguis- sumably, do you want to stay the same operate entirely in Spanish, with English tics Program at the University of Puerto or do you want to change? And once translations available only upon request. Rico, Yolanda Rivera, told Efe she is in favor No state has ever been allowed to come that decision is made, then there is no of free choice in learning languages. into the Union when its core organs of gov- Rivera said, nonetheless, that ‘‘English is a going back. ernment operate in a foreign language, and foreign language in Puerto Rico,’’ and there The momentum then washes over the Puerto Rico must not be an exception. are political criteria for making that lan- dam. And the next question that comes Yesterday, the Rules committee defeated guage more prevalent here as sought by the back is, now you can’t be what you amendments offered by Rep. Paul Broun that administration of Gov. Luis Fortun˜ o, whose were before. Now you have to decide would have brought Puerto Rico’s policies in party favors U.S. statehood for the island. between being an independent country line with the other 50 states as a condition ‘‘Deciding which language to teach is based or a free association, whatever that for statehood. Instead, the committee re- on political criteria,’’ Rivera said, adding ported an ‘‘alternative’’ English amendment might be, or statehood. And when we that if commercial interests were the most by Rep. Dan Burton. important thing, Chinese would be the ideal get to this question of statehood and I The Burton amendment, while purportedly language given the heights the Asian nation look at the standards that have been offering a Puerto Rican state equal treat- has reached internationally in that area. there in the past, I disagree with the ment, actually offers special treatment by The professor also said that she is con- gentleman from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG). I allowing statehood with these historically cerned about Pierluisi’s announcement of can go up there and English is the lan- unprecedented policies intact. Burton’s in- the hypothetical arrival of U.S. English guage that is used in government and sistence that Puerto Rico will be subject to teachers on the island. federal official language policies is meaning- business and everywhere you go. less, since the United States has no official Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Yes, every language you can imagine language. Further, Burton’s ‘‘sense of Con- Chairman, I am pleased to yield 3 min- is spoken of in every State, but the gress that English be promoted’’ has no legal utes to the distinguished Republican practice in Puerto Rico is Spanish, not force. whip, Mr. CANTOR.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:34 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.050 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3039 Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman ship with a fundamental, inalienable that stain in our relationship with the from Washington for yielding. right to statehood. people of Puerto Rico. But they have Mr. Chairman, for 93 years individ- There’s no one right, inalienable just as much right to independence, uals born in Puerto Rico have been right, that the people of Puerto Rico they have just as much right to inde- U.S. citizens, but Puerto Rico itself has have. It’s to their independence. And pendence as they do to statehood. And been a Commonwealth. And as neither the Founding Fathers that we like to as a matter of fact, they have asserted State nor an independent political en- talk so much about would agree with that right. tity, it has, as Ronald Reagan once us here today. If Thomas Jefferson Let me end with this: We keep saying said, an unnatural status. It is part of were here today, he would say one let them, congressionally sanction. La- our country, but not entirely. Separate thing: There is one and only one in- dies and gentlemen, they have come to- from our country, but not really. alienable right of the people of Puerto gether on numerous occasions, and on Ronald Reagan was motivated to sup- Rico, something that could never be each and every occasion, they have port possible statehood for Puerto Rico taken away from them, and that’s to said, We don’t want to be a State. They in part because our communist enemies their independence. would like something different. Why were at the time exploiting Puerto And why do I bring this issue up are we imposing? Rico’s status to sow unrest in Latin today? I bring the issue up today so And really, look, everybody talks America by calling for an end to ‘‘Yan- that we can understand that Puerto about the Founding Fathers. You know kee imperialism.’’ While the Soviet Rico is not just 4 million American how the Founding Fathers did it? They Union may no longer be with us, Hugo citizens on an island; it is a culturally, had a Constitutional Convention. They Chavez is attempting to sow the same it is a psychologically, constituted geo- got together and they had delegates unrest, calling for an end to U.S. impe- graphically, linguistically constituted from different States come together so rialism in Puerto Rico. nation of people, Puerto Ricans. Go to they could have a Declaration of Inde- Reagan said back in 1980 that we that nation of people today, and while pendence, so they could build a Con- must be ready to demonstrate that they may love and cherish America, stitution. You know what? Let not the ‘‘the American idea can work in Puerto which is actually a good thing if you Congress of the United States say that Rico.’’ Over the past 2 years, my friend, think about it today, a nation of people this is democracy. Do you know what Governor Luis Fortuno, has worked to who love and cherish America, they true democracy is? This Congress say- do just that. The Governor and others still are fundamentally Puerto Rican. ing to the people of Puerto Rico get to- are actively working to increase eco- Ask them. gether in a constitutional convention, nomic opportunity by reducing the Has anybody been to a Puerto Rican assemble yourselves, decide among burden the government places on the parade in New York? Go out there with yourselves, and we the Congress of the people, introducing competition and American flags on the day of a Puerto United States will respect that deci- choice to education, lowering taxes, re- Rican parade. See how much money sion. We will not impose a process. We storing law and order, and defending you make at the Puerto Rican day pa- will not impose definitions upon you. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. traditional values. rade in New York or Chicago. No, it’s Chairman, I reserve the balance of my Listening to these achievements, I an affirmation of who we are. Very dif- time. am reminded that the great experiment ferent than the Italian day parade, Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I begun by our Founding Fathers is not than the Irish parade, than the Polish yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from in its last days, but instead is being parade, in which you see many Amer- Florida (Mr. GRAYSON). constantly renewed as we work to ex- ican flags. Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I ap- pand what it means to live in a land of Why is it that we continue to affirm preciate the opportunity to speak on opportunity. this? Why is it that even those pro- this important matter. This legislation Our best export has always been our ponents of statehood for Puerto Rico is about what is right and what is fair. ideas. And first and foremost amongst have not been able to banish the Olym- Since 1898 residents of Puerto Rico those ideas is the promise that limited pic team? They dare not. Why is it have been deprived of full and equal po- government based on the consent of they have not been able to banish the litical representation. Though its resi- the governed that respects the inalien- language of Spanish? They dare not. dents are American citizens, the island able rights granted by God is the best Because those are things that are in- is not a State and its residents have no hope for mankind on Earth. These trinsic to the people of Puerto Rico. equal voting representation in Con- ideas have also served as a magnet Look, let’s stop kidding ourselves. gress. Given a choice, Puerto Ricans drawing all those who wish for a better Let’s stop kidding ourselves. This is an might opt to change this situation. life to our shores. attempt to do one thing and one thing Some in Puerto Rico might opt for a The citizens of Puerto Rico share in only. Everybody talks about the Amer- statehood for the island, some might this American inheritance. They share ican citizens and their right to state- opt for independence, and some might in our values and in their belief in the hood. What about the American citi- opt for sovereign association. But American Dream. The citizens of Puer- zens, and I say the only inalienable Puerto Ricans have never been invited to Rico deserve the opportunity to right that they have, to their independ- by Congress to make that choice. They speak to their aspirations for the fu- ence? What about the 1.8 million pages are American citizens, but they are de- ture in a sanctioned plebiscite. that were sent to Congressman prived of equal voting rights. If I were drafting this bill, Mr. Chair- SERRANO on the backs of the FBI and If Puerto Rico were a State, it would man, I would draft it differently. And intelligence agency for those of us that have six or seven representatives in while this legislation is far from per- fought for Puerto Rican independence? Congress instead of one who cannot fect, I am motivated at the end of the What about those that have been vote on the floor of the House. If Puer- day to support it by the belief that jailed? What about those poets? What to Rico were a State, it would have two America’s promise is not finite in about those great Puerto Rican patri- Senators instead of none. If Puerto terms of space or time. ots who believe and will continue to be- Rico were a State, the people there Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I lieve in independence for Puerto Rico? would help to choose our President. yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from That is a reality that we need to deal Puerto Rico is, in fact, one of the larg- Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ). with. est populations in the entire world that Mr. GUTIERREZ. I thank the gentle- So when Mr. CANTOR was speaking has no say in choosing the leadership woman for yielding. about the inalienable right, he was of its country, a democratic country. Look, let’s take another look at it. speaking about the inalienable right Now they cannot do anything like that. Mr. LUNGREN came before us, and on that the Founding Fathers bestowed A host of policy decisions are made in numerous occasions, what did he say? upon those to be free from colonialism. Puerto Rico’s name by us, by Congress Allow Puerto Rico to become a State. The current situation in Puerto Rico and by the President, on behalf of Just check his words. Before that it is deplorable. The current status of Puerto Rico’s people without their full was Mr. BURTON from Indiana. In other Puerto Rico is a colonial status. And or equal input or consent, and that is words, they equate American citizen- we should move forward to eliminate deeply, deeply unfair.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:42 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.052 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3040 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 Whether Puerto Ricans decide in am concerned this is not the way to de- So for that reason, Mr. Chairman, I favor of statehood or not, there is an cide a statehood’s future. I will be vot- am going to vote ‘‘no’’ on this legisla- existing inequality that needs to be ad- ing ‘‘no.’’ tion, and I would urge my colleagues to dressed. The people of Puerto Rico Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield myself the do the same. could have more representatives in balance of my time. I yield back the balance of my time. Congress than they have today with or The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I am without statehood. New York is recognized for 3 minutes. honored to yield the balance of my While I do not represent Puerto Rico, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, time to the people’s representative there is a very large Puerto Rican pop- there is a reason why two of the three from Puerto Rico, Mr. PEDRO ulation in central Florida. But I am main political parties in Puerto Rico PIERLUISI. also here because people on the island are opposed to this bill. They have been Mr. PIERLUISI. It is time. It is time of Puerto Rico have the right to full shut out of the legislative process. for this Congress to hear from the peo- and equal representation. Under this That is the reason. Here we are facing ple of Puerto Rico. A lot has been said legislation, voters will be asked by one of the largest deficits in the his- about this process of self-determina- Congress whether they wish to main- tory of this country because we have tion. And what is self-determination? tain Puerto Rico’s present form. If the been paying for two wars where we are It is to allow the people of Puerto Rico majority of voters cast their ballots in committed to promote democracy, and to express their wishes on their polit- favor of a different political status, the yet in our own backyard we are deny- ical destiny. H.R. 2499 does exactly Government of Puerto Rico will be au- ing 8 million Puerto Rican Americans that. The only possible options that thorized to conduct a second vote the right to self-determination. the people of Puerto Rico have con- among three options: independence, As I stated before and I state it cerning the subject matter are the fol- statehood, or sovereignty in associa- again, this is shameful and it is a dis- lowing: remaining as a territory, which tion with the United States. grace. So let me just say that this bill is called a Commonwealth, but the Residents of Puerto Rico have laid is not ready for prime time. Let’s treat label does not change the status. The down their lives in defense of American Puerto Ricans with the same respect as Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a democratic values for more than nine we did to Alaskans, Hawaii, and other Commonwealth, yet it is a State. Puer- decades. In that time, they have never States. They decided by themselves to Rico is a territory. And there is a been given a chance to express their what was better for them. This bill clause in the United States Constitu- views about their political relationship doesn’t do that. For all these reasons, I tion that provides and has so been in- with the United States by means of a ask my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ terpreted by the Supreme Court, the fair, neutral, and democratic process. I yield back the balance of my time. United States Supreme Court, that this This must change. Therefore, I support Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I Congress has plenary powers over the this act. yield myself the balance of my time. territories, including Puerto Rico. And Mr. Chairman, as we conclude gen- we do not fail to exercise them on a 1515 b eral debate, I want to make one point daily basis, for better or worse, to the Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. very, very clear. And that point is that people of Puerto Rico, who do not have Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 min- we in Congress on a bipartisan basis voting representation in this Congress, utes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. welcomed the citizens of Puerto Rico who do not vote for the President, and GOHMERT). to communicate to us their wishes. who do not participate in Federal pro- Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, hav- But, Mr. Chairman, this is not the grams on an equal basis with their fel- ing been elected in 2004 to come to Con- right process for that. low citizens in the States. That is one gress, I got here and met someone else I recognize this is not a vote on of the choices. And this bill, this plebi- who was elected to come to Congress at statehood. I never alluded to that. But, scite, the plebiscite in H.R. 2499, pro- the same time named Luis Fortuno. Mr. Chairman, we are setting, I think, vides for that. If the people want to re- The Fortunos were a couple of the a precedent where we are asking a ter- main under the current status, they most wonderful, lovely people I have ritory of the United States if they can, like they should be. ever met, and it’s a real privilege to want statehood. Looking back in the Now if the people of Puerto Rico say have gotten to know them. So my ini- history, I found it pretty murky we no longer want to be a territory of tial feeling is that I would want to sup- whether that even happened. What hap- the United States, we should know port whatever they supported, espe- pened generally, and certainly in a vast that, all Members of Congress. This bill cially to have a Republican governor in majority of the 50 States that make up then asks them their choice among the Puerto Rico. The things that he is this great Union, is that they had a only three options that are accepted doing are wonderful. Cutting govern- plebiscite and they decided they want- under U.S. and international law: ment, working to reduce spending in ed to join this country, and then they statehood, independence, and there has Puerto Rico, those are the things that asked the Congress to respond. We are been some talk about free association. we need leaders to help with in Wash- doing this backwards. Let me tell you something. I agree ington. There have been three votes in the with Congressman SERRANO. Libre But we are a people who came into history of this last century of Puerto asociacio´ n is that term in Spanish. In being through a belief in self-deter- Ricans, and in every case, in every case Puerto Rico everybody knows what mination. And so on initially hearing they did not choose statehood. So I libre asociacio´ n is. In fact, there is a that Puerto Rico would have a vote don’t know why we should be part of a faction within one of our main parties that would allow them to decide process that from my point of view that advocates for that. And what is whether they wanted to be part of the tilts the playing field in favor of state- that? Simple; what Micronesia, the United States as a State, my initial hood when in the past that hasn’t been Marshall Islands, Palau already have— impression was this would be a good the case. The citizens of Puerto Rico an association between Puerto Rico thing. But on seeing that it has been right now, as I made in my opening re- and the U.S. as sovereign nations that divided into two votes and finding that marks, can have a plebiscite. They can is not a territory of the United States. there are three choices in the second decide. They can decide by a statewide That option is included. So all the op- vote, I am very concerned. vote, they can have a constitutional tions are there. It is only fair to ask If Puerto Rico wants to be a State, convention, as my good friend from Il- the people of Puerto Rico to express then they should decide to do so un- linois pointed out. There are a variety themselves in a way that is not binding equivocally and tell this body to do so of ways for them to do that. We should on this Congress. unequivocally. It ought to be one ques- allow them to do that. We will always have, the Congress tion, ‘‘Do you want to be a State?’’ Now, it’s difficult. It’s a difficult will always have the last word on this ‘‘Yes’’ or ‘‘no.’’ And if the answer is process. We all know that. Self-govern- topic, as it should be. So that’s why I loud and clear we do, then that’s what ment is hard. But for goodness sakes, have put forth this bill before this Con- we should take up. So regretfully, I we shouldn’t be party to what I believe gress on behalf of the people of Puerto will be voting ‘‘no’’ on this because I is a process that is cinched in one way. Rico as the only elected Representative

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:42 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.054 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3041 of the people of Puerto Rico, and I ask H.R. 2499 would identify Puerto Rico’s polit- should form a political association between sov- for your support. Vote for H.R. 2499. ical status options and authorize a plebiscite ereign nations that will not be subject to the Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong sup- process in which voters could express their Territorial Clause of the United States Constitu- tion. If you agree, mark here ll. port of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy preferences among those options. This bill will (3) Statehood: Puerto Rico should be admitted Act. finally give them the opportunity to determine as a State of the Union. If you agree, mark here Puerto Rico is home to nearly 4 million their relationship with the U.S. in the context ll. Americans. of a fair, neutral and democratic process spon- SEC. 3. APPLICABLE LAWS AND OTHER REQUIRE- It has been a U.S. territory for 112 years sored by Congress. MENTS. and its residents have been U.S. citizens We must ensure that the views of all Puerto (a) APPLICABLE LAWS.—All Federal laws ap- since 1917. Ricans are heard on this fundamental question plicable to the election of the Resident Commis- Puerto Ricans have contributed much to the without excluding or favoring any status op- sioner shall, as appropriate and consistent with basic fabric of this country in times of peace this Act, also apply to any plebiscites held pur- tion. As a cosponsor of this bipartisan legisla- suant to this Act. Any reference in such Federal and war. tion, I support a fair and impartial process of Its residents have served as high govern- laws to elections shall be considered, as appro- self-determination for the people of Puerto priate, to be a reference to the plebiscites, unless ment officials and leaders from all walks of Rico. it would frustrate the purposes of this Act. life. Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Chair, I share Thom- (b) RULES AND REGULATIONS.—The Puerto More than one million Puerto Ricans live in as Jefferson’s belief that majority rule is ‘‘the Rico State Elections Commission shall issue all my home state of New York, and according to vita principle of republics,’’ therefore I am op- rules and regulations necessary to carry out the the latest numbers, more than 60,000 live in posed to passage of H.R. 2499: and respect- plebiscites under this Act. (c) ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE.—Each of the fol- my congressional district. fully request that my name be withdrawn as a I am, therefore, proud to call myself a co- lowing shall be eligible to vote in any plebiscite co-sponsor. I was mistaken in co-sponsoring held under this Act: sponsor of the bipartisan Puerto Rico Democ- this bill because it is not apparent from the (1) All eligible voters under the electoral laws racy Act. language of the bill that it allows Puerto Rico in effect in Puerto Rico at the time the plebiscite I know that the question of the status of to decide its future by less than a majority is held. Puerto Rico has been difficult for many years, vote. I have also learned that current law en- (2) All United States citizens born in Puerto but that is precisely why we must address it Rico who comply, to the satisfaction of the ables Puerto Rico to hold an election to deter- Puerto Rico State Elections Commission, with today. mine their future at any time, so this law is re- Under the current status, residents of Puerto all Commission requirements (other than the dundant—and we already have far too many Rico are bound by federal law, but cannot residency requirement) applicable to eligibility redundant unnecessary laws on the books. to vote in a general election in Puerto Rico. Per- vote for president and do not have voting rep- For these reasons I would ask that my name sons eligible to vote under this subsection shall, resentation in Congress. be withdrawn as a cosponsor of this bill. upon timely request submitted to the Commis- Since joining the American family over a The CHAIR. All time for general de- sion in compliance with any terms imposed by century ago, the Island’s residents have never bate has expired. the Electoral Law of Puerto Rico, be entitled to been given the opportunity to express their Pursuant to the rule, the amendment receive an absentee ballot for the plebiscite. views—in the context of a fair and orderly vote (d) CERTIFICATION OF PLEBISCITE RESULTS.— in the nature of a substitute printed in The Puerto Rico State Elections Commission sponsored by Congress—as to whether Puer- the bill shall be considered as an origi- to Rico should remain a U.S. territory or shall certify the results of any plebiscite held nal bill for the purpose of amendment under this Act to the President of the United should seek a non-territorial status. under the 5-minute rule and shall be States and to the Members of the Senate and H.R. 2499 allows the government of Puerto considered read. House of Representatives of the United States. Rico to conduct plebiscites to ask voters if The text of the committee amend- (e) ENGLISH BALLOTS.—The Puerto Rico State they wish to maintain the current status or ment in the nature of a substitute is as Elections Commission shall ensure that all bal- have a different status. follows: lots used for any plebiscite held under this Act I support this bill because it finally creates a include the full content of the ballot printed in H.R. 2499 fair process to allow the people of Puerto Rico English. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (f) PLEBISCITE COSTS.—All costs associated to decide their own future for themselves. resentatives of the United States of America in Self-determination is a basic principle of the with any plebiscite held under this Act (includ- Congress assembled, ing the printing, distribution, transportation, United States, and Puerto Ricans deserve no SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. collection, and counting of all ballots) shall be less. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Puerto Rico De- paid for by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Finally, I would like to congratulate the mocracy Act of 2009’’. The CHAIR. No amendment to the sponsor of this bill, Mr. PIERLUISI, for his excel- SEC. 2. FEDERALLY SANCTIONED PROCESS FOR committee amendment is in order ex- PUERTO RICO’S SELF-DETERMINA- lent work, and I appreciate the efforts of mem- cept those printed in House Report 111– bers on both sides of the aisle who helped TION. (a) FIRST PLEBISCITE.—The Government of 468. Each amendment may be offered bring the Puerto Rico Democracy Act to the Puerto Rico is authorized to conduct a plebiscite only in the order printed in the report, floor today. in Puerto Rico. The 2 options set forth on the by a Member designated in the report, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2499. ballot shall be preceded by the following state- shall be considered read, shall be de- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. Chair, I ment: ‘‘Instructions: Mark one of the following batable for the time specified in the re- rise today as a cosponsor and to speak in 2 options: port equally divided and controlled by strong support of H.R. 2499, The Puerto Rico ‘‘(1) Puerto Rico should continue to have its the proponent and an opponent, shall Democracy Act of 2009, which establishes a present form of political status. If you agree, not be subject to amendment, and shall just and fair way for Puerto Ricans to decide mark here ll. ‘‘(2) Puerto Rico should have a different polit- not be subject to a demand for division their relationship with the United States. ical status. If you agree, mark here ll.’’. of the question. Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory for (b) PROCEDURE IF MAJORITY IN FIRST PLEBI- AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. FOXX 111 years and its residents have been U.S. SCITE FAVORS OPTION 1.—If a majority of the citizens since 1917. Puerto Ricans have con- ballots in the plebiscite are cast in favor of Op- The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- tributed immeasurably to the life of this nation tion 1, the Government of Puerto Rico is author- sider amendment No. 1 printed in in times of peace and war and have served as ized to conduct additional plebiscites under sub- House Report 111–468. U.S. government officials, ambassadors, fed- section (a) at intervals of every 8 years from the Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I have an eral judges and military officers. date that the results of the prior plebiscite are amendment at the desk. certified under section 3(d). The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate The island is home to nearly 4 million Amer- (c) PROCEDURE IF MAJORITY IN FIRST PLEBI- the amendment. icans who are subject to federal taxes as de- SCITE FAVORS OPTION 2.—If a majority of the The text of the amendment is as fol- termined by law, pay income taxes on income ballots in a plebiscite conducted pursuant to lows: from outside the island, as well as other taxes subsection (a) or (b) are cast in favor of Option 2, the Government of Puerto Rico is authorized Amendment No. 1 offered by Ms. FOXX: such as Social Security and Medicare. Page 4, line 5, strike ‘‘3’’ and insert ‘‘4’’. Yet Puerto Ricans today still cannot vote for to conduct a plebiscite on the following 3 op- Page 4, after line 16, insert the following: President of the United States and do not tions: (4) Commonwealth: Puerto Rico should (1) Independence: Puerto Rico should become continue to have its present form of political have full voting representation in Congress. I fully independent from the United States. If you status. If you agree, mark here lll. believe it is time for the people of Puerto Rico agree, mark here ll. to decide their fate after over 100 years of po- (2) Sovereignty in Association with the United The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- litical uncertainty. States: Puerto Rico and the United States lution 1305, the gentlewoman from

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:55 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.057 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3042 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) and a Mem- the status quo or change. It’s easy to I, therefore, urge defeat of the ber opposed each will control 5 min- see how anyone, even Commonwealth amendment and reserve the balance of utes. status quo supporters, would support my time. The Chair recognizes the gentle- some sort of change in their political Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, my col- woman from North Carolina. processes. However, consensus on this league says this bill has been carefully Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I yield to question would move to a second stage, crafted. Yes, it’s been carefully crafted the gentlelady from the Virgin Islands where Puerto Ricans choose only from to keep the people who want the for the purposes of a unanimous con- three options: statehood, independence, present status from being a choice. sent request. or sovereignty in association with the That is wrong. That should not be the (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was United States. These three options way this bill is done. If they want to given permission to revise and extend deny supporters of continuing the Com- keep the present status, they should be her remarks.) monwealth status quo the freedom to able to vote for it. Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I thank my col- vote for their preferred political status. I reserve the balance of my time. league from North Carolina for yield- Whether they support statehood, inde- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I be- ing. pendence, or the Commonwealth status lieve I have the right to close, and I re- Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this amend- quo, Puerto Ricans’ views should be serve the balance of my time. Ms. FOXX. Could I inquire, Mr. ment because it corrects the chief concern I given equal and fair consideration. Chairman, as to how much time I have have had about this bill—that Commonwealth My amendment very simply adds a is not given fair treatment in the base bill, H.R. left. fourth option: ‘‘Commonwealth: Puerto The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from 2499. Rico should continue to have its North Carolina has 21⁄2 minutes remain- A cleaner process would have allowed all of present form of political status to the ing. the possible options to be on the ballot in one available voting options for the second Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I think vote, with Commonwealth included. stage of the plebiscite.’’ this bill as it is crafted is not the right In the first vote where one is asked to 1530 way to go for the people of Puerto choose the status quo or change, first of all b This amendment takes nothing from Rico. I don’t have a dog in this fight. I the deck is stacked against commonwealth, by have not taken a position on whether those who support statehood, independence the bill, but adds an option to reflect the views held by a significant portion they should have statehood or not have or free association. statehood, but I don’t like the Congress I have reason to believe that most Puerto of Puerto Ricans who should not be dis- of the United States being used to cre- Ricans want Commonwealth with new en- enfranchised by this bill. This is an ate a situation that disenfranchises hancements, which is not the status quo. amendment Members of all persuasions can support. Opponents of the bill can people. And that’s what’s happening. Therefore someone even voting for change in We are wasting our time doing this. remain opposed, but take comfort in the first ballot might still have Commonwealth We don’t need to do it. The people of knowing the bill was made a little bet- as their preference. But they would have no Puerto Rico can vote on this without ter. Supporters, or even cosponsors, opportunity to vote for it. This is grossly unfair our doing this. We should be dealing can take comfort in knowing their bill to what I think is the majority of the popu- with what is important to the Amer- was made even better. lation. ican people—jobs and other issues. This With that, I reserve the balance of H.R. 2499 is slanted toward statehood. For is not necessary for us to do. every option to have a level playing field Com- my time. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in monwealth must be added in the second vote. my colleague, the gentleman from opposition to the amendment. I urge my colleagues to support the Foxx Utah (Mr. CHAFFETZ). amendment. The CHAIR. The gentleman from Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I’d Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I would West Virginia is recognized for 5 min- just encourage my colleagues to listen like to yield 15 seconds to the gentle- utes. to the argument on the other side. lady from New York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ). Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, this bill ´ They don’t want the status quo to be Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I was carefully crafted to give the people one of the options. This is supposed to rise in support of this amendment. of Puerto Rico the opportunity to in- be a bill about self-determination, yet Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I yield my- form Congress for the first time ever it’s this Congress that’s going to force self such time as I may consume. whether they want to continue with its will to determine what is even After being engaged in the spirited their current temporary status, Com- going to be on the ballot. This is fun- debate surrounding this bill, I am monwealth, or move to a permanent damentally wrong. I urge my col- pleased to report that both supporters status: statehood, independence, or free leagues to vote in favor of this amend- and opponents of the underlying bill, association. This amendment would ment. regardless of partisanship, can support subvert this effort by including a Mr. RAHALL. I continue to reserve the amendment I am offering. It’s my choice to continue the island’s present the balance of my time. belief that Congress has no business status among the options provided for Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, can I in- considering this bill at this time. in the bill’s second plebiscite. Adoption quire again as to how much time is left Puerto Ricans have voted on state- of this amendment will contradict the on my side. hood three times without congressional bill’s intent and make it less likely The CHAIR. The gentlewoman has 11⁄2 action. Although congressional action that the people of Puerto Rico would minutes remaining. is not needed, statehood advocates seek a permanent nonterritorial sta- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I yield 11⁄4 have defined this bill as necessary to tus. minutes to the gentlewoman from New providing a ‘‘congressionally sanc- Debate over Puerto Rico’s status York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ). tioned’’ vote process for Puerto Rico to continues to be the central issue in pol- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, determine its political status. How- itics on the island. The fairest and sim- this amendment is a commendable ef- ever, if we are going to do this, we need plest way, we believe, to address this fort to try and improve a deeply flawed to pass a bill that ensures fair consid- concern is to let Puerto Ricans choose piece of legislation, and I really thank eration of all points of view. to either retain their present status, as the gentlewoman for being so com- Although the bill is being touted as the underlying bill does; or, if they mitted to providing for a process of one to allow Puerto Ricans the oppor- don’t want to, allow them to elect to self-determination for the people of tunity to exercise political self-deter- become a state, an independent coun- Puerto Rico. Elections are only demo- mination, as it’s currently written it try, or a free nation with association cratic if the people are not blocked denies commonwealth status quo sup- with the U.S. Allowing the choice of re- from choosing between all the options porters freedom to vote for their pre- taining their current status after it potentially available to them. One of ferred option in the second stage of the was rejected in the first plebiscite, as the many shortcomings of this bill is plebiscite. this amendment would do, only serves that under the scheme it establishes, In the first stage of the plebiscite, to confuse the process and would likely the second ballot will not include com- Puerto Ricans are given two choices: cause an inconclusive outcome. monwealth as an option for voters.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:55 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.060 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3043 Again, because what they want is for themselves. It is only fair. And the you mislead voters into thinking there the people of Puerto Rico to vote for Congress will have the last word. is a legally better alternative to Puer- statehood instead of providing a fair, The CHAIR. The question is on the to Rico’s political status other than an democratic process. That is undemo- amendment offered by the gentle- independent state or a sovereignty. cratic. It is un-American. That defies woman from North Carolina (Ms. Me? Me? I’m misleading people? What imagination. That is essentially telling FOXX). is the last option that won, adopted by the people of Puerto Rico that the sys- The question was taken; and the the government of Puerto Rico, and tem of government under which they Chair announced that the ayes ap- voted on in Puerto Rico? currently live is not even an option for peared to have it. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR them to consider. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chair, I demand a The CHAIR. The Chair notes a dis- This approach ignores the fact that recorded vote. turbance in the gallery in contraven- the Commonwealth is what the major- The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of tion of the law and rules of the House. ity of the people of Puerto Rico have rule XVIII, further proceedings on the The Sergeant at Arms will remove selected in the last three previous pop- amendment offered by the gentle- those persons responsible for the dis- ular votes. The amendment offered by woman from North Carolina will be turbance and restore order to the gal- the gentlelady will take a good first postponed. lery. step forward, and I am wholeheartedly AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. GUTIERREZ Mr. GUTIERREZ. I know it’s hard, in support of that amendment. The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- but the truth is the truth. Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, again, I sider amendment No. 2 printed in ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR want to say that I think the Congress House Report 111–468. The CHAIR. The Chair will remind of the United States is being used un- Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I all persons in the gallery that they are fairly in this process. We do not need rise to offer my amendment. here as guests of the House and that to be doing this. What the proponents The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate any manifestation of approval or dis- of statehood are doing is rigging the the amendment. approval of proceedings or other audi- process in favor of a vote for statehood The text of the amendment is as fol- ble conversation is in violation of the and they’re using the Congress of the lows: rules of the House. United States to establish the process Amendment No. 2 offered by Mr. GUTIER- Mr. GUTIERREZ. The truth is that for them. We don’t need to be passing REZ: the last time one of the alternatives this bill. The people of Puerto Rico can On page 4, line 5, strike ‘‘on the following was exactly what I offer. If you really vote without this bill. 3 options:’’ and insert ‘‘on the following 4 op- believe and you really trust and you Mr. RAHALL. Before I yield to the tions:’’. really respect the judgment of the peo- gentleman from Puerto Rico to close On page 4, after line 16, insert the fol- ple of Puerto Rico, then include it as lowing: on our side, let me just address one they included it when they were able to issue the gentlelady from North Caro- ‘‘(4) None of the Above. If you agree, mark here lll.’’. do it. If you say you’re not imposing lina raised about us having other issues your will on them, then give them the The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- that she alluded to which are more im- option when they had the ability to lution 1305, the gentleman from Illinois portant than this issue to address in choose the different options. I’m not (Mr. GUTIERREZ) and a Member opposed Congress, like jobs, the economy, et asking for anything else other than each will control 5 minutes. cetera; therefore, why are we consid- that because I think that it is impor- The Chair recognizes the gentleman ering this legislation. That may be tant and fundamental that we check from Illinois. true. into the history books. Mr. GUTIERREZ. Well, here we go Certainly, jobs and the economy are Notice, no one, no one will contradict again. They say this is a bill. The very important to every one of our dis- the fact that ‘‘none of the above’’ was chairman of Natural Resources says tricts. But I think it should be worth the one that won, that that was one of this is a bill to make sure that the peo- pointing out here that it’s most unfor- the offers. And then they say that I ple of Puerto Rico are able to define tunate that we can’t get the type of bi- mislead. I don’t mislead anybody. The their future and do it in a free, objec- partisan support—as much bipartisan fact is, people say I’m doing this and tive manner. Really? Well, the last support from the other side on those that. That’s okay. People like me, who time they had a plebiscite in Puerto issues of jobs and the economy as we do defend the sovereign rights of the peo- Rico, guess which option won? None of on this particular piece of legislation. ple of Puerto Rico, you know what hap- the above. Guess which option they ex- I would yield the balance of my time pens to them in Puerto Rico? They get clude? The winning option in the last to the gentleman from Puerto Rico files on them by the Government of plebiscite. So who’s kidding who in this (Mr. PIERLUISI). Puerto Rico. They get jailed. They are place? Mr. PIERLUISI. I rise in opposition made sure they lose their jobs. They They have this thing rigged from the to this amendment. The reason is rath- get sanctioned. er straightforward. In a democracy, the beginning to the end. If not, if they Everybody always says, Oh, why majority rules. The threshold question, were so faithful to the wishes, to the aren’t there more people that believe the first question that H.R. 2499 poses, will, to the passion of the self-deter- in Puerto Rican independence? There’s is precisely to determine whether the mination of the people of Puerto Rico, a lot of people that believe in Puerto majority of the people residing in Puer- why aren’t they including the very op- Rican independence. More of them to Rico, the American citizens residing tion that won? They say they respect don’t show themselves because when in Puerto Rico, want to remain as a the decision of American citizens on they do, you know what happens? territory. Once the majority speaks, we the island of Puerto Rico and we Those that support other alternatives will abide by that. If the majority says should give them an opportunity to ex- lock them up. Let me tell you some- they want change, they do not want to press themselves freely in a ref- thing. Careful. continue being a territory, called a erendum. Guess what? They did. And commonwealth as it is, then it is only yet we reject the very option that they b 1545 fair to ask a second question. Choose chose for themselves. Mr. RAHALL. I rise in opposition to among the only available alternatives. What kind of democracy is that? I the amendment, Mr. Chairman. The results will speak for themselves. don’t know what kind of democracy The CHAIR. The gentleman from Some here seem to be convinced that that is in other States, but I know how West Virginia is recognized for 5 min- the result will be that the people of I feel about it. None-of-the-above, for utes. Puerto Rico will choose statehood. It me, offers this wonderful opportunity Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, as was remains to be seen. We don’t know the to the people of Puerto Rico. the case with the Foxx amendment, percentage. We don’t know what other Just so that we understand, because this amendment would also add a percentages we will have on the first everybody says things, I want to read fourth option to the second ballot in vote, on the second vote. Let’s allow this. This is what the Democrats say the two-stage plebiscite process. I urge the people of Puerto Rico to express about my amendment—my own party: defeat of this amendment as well,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:55 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.065 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3044 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 largely along the same lines as the ear- being misleading about what is going result of the last plebiscite that was lier amendment. on. And more than that, it’s the option done in Puerto Rico, which did not fol- ‘‘None of the above’’ is the ultimate that won. low the bill that this House approved and unnecessary escape clause. The I also say fundamentally that one of or the Senate failed to act upon. It proposal for its inclusion on the ballot the reasons I thought it was a good op- added this ‘‘none of the above’’ option, suggests that there exists some other tion was because I thought that it and what happened is, to this day, no- option for permanently resolving Puer- wasn’t fair the way it was designed and body can understand what that means. to Rico’s status in a manner compat- the way it was construed. So I said, It served no purpose. That’s why I rise ible with the U.S. Constitution beyond You know, I don’t like the construc- in opposition to this amendment. the three options of independence, sov- tion, so you should always give the The CHAIR. The question is on the ereignty in association with the United people—especially people seeking self- amendment offered by the gentleman States, or statehood. Such a belief de- determination—the option to say to us, from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ). fies the conclusions of the inter- the Congress, We didn’t like the way The question was taken; and the national community, the courts, and you designed it, so we reject your pro- Chair announced that the noes ap- the executive branch. posal. peared to have it. There is no other viable option than So let me use the last 30 seconds with Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chair, I de- the three to be presented on the second this: I want you to look at this bill, mand a recorded vote. ballot as provided for in the underlying and you are going to find a section that The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of bill. Thus, this ‘‘none of the above’’ says that over 1 million Puerto Ricans rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment is not about progress, but born on the island of Puerto Rico that amendment offered by the gentleman rather inconclusiveness. Self-deter- live in the United States—not in Puer- from Illinois will be postponed. mination for the people of Puerto Rico to Rico—that live in the United States AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. GUTIERREZ should no longer be thwarted by incon- are guaranteed a ballot. What does The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- clusiveness nor held captive to any that say to you? sider amendment No. 3 printed in pursuit for a status change not deemed There is a reason they speak Spanish, House Report 111–468. viable under the U.S. Constitution or ladies and gentlemen. There’s a reason Mr. GUTIERREZ. I have an amend- international law. they love the Puerto Rican flag. ment at the desk. I urge defeat of the amendment. There’s a reason they go to the Puerto The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate I reserve the balance of my time. Rican Day—there’s a reason. It’s okay. the amendment. Mr. GUTIERREZ. How much time do They have a passion for their culture, The text of the amendment is as fol- I have, Mr. Chairman? for their language, for who they are lows: The CHAIR. The gentleman from Illi- and their identity. And it is affirmed Amendment No. 3 offered by Mr. nois has 2 minutes remaining. by the very proponent of this legisla- GUTIERREZ: Mr. GUTIERREZ. I thank the Chair. tion, who understands that they are In the header of section 3(e), strike I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman nationals—not of Puerto Rico, which ‘‘ENGLISH BALLOTS’’ and insert ‘‘LANGUAGE from Utah. you do not represent. But you are al- OF BALLOTS’’. Mr. CHAFFETZ. I thank the gen- lowing them to participate in this In section 3(e), strike ‘‘printed in English’’ tleman. process because you recognize they and insert ‘‘printed in Spanish. Upon request Mr. Chair and my colleagues, this have an inherent right to participate in by an eligible voter, the Puerto Rico State amendment should pass unanimously. I the future of Puerto Rico. Elections Commission shall provide said eli- don’t care where you are on this issue. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I yield gible voter with a ballot printed in English’’. If you fundamentally believe that the the balance of my time to the people’s The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- people of Puerto Rico should be given a representative from Puerto Rico (Mr. lution 1305, the gentleman from Illinois voice, then the voice that they should PIERLUISI). (Mr. GUTIERREZ) and a Member opposed be able to allow, one of the boxes they The CHAIR. The gentleman from each will control 5 minutes. should be allowed to check is ‘‘none of Puerto Rico is recognized for 4 min- The Chair recognizes the gentleman the above.’’ Last time, 50.3 percent of utes. from Illinois. the residents there voted in favor of Mr. PIERLUISI. I rise in opposition Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chair, I yield this. It is not right for us to deny them to this amendment, and I rise in oppo- 11⁄2 minutes to the gentlelady from New the opportunity to check the box that sition because some of my colleagues York, Congresswoman VELA´ ZQUEZ. says, ‘‘none of the above.’’ This should here have been talking about one term, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, pass unanimously. ‘‘free association,’’ being an ambiguous this is a straightforward amendment, I urge all of my colleagues on both term. Well, there cannot be anything and it is very important that Congress sides of the aisle to vote for this. more ambiguous than ‘‘none of the needs to be certain that the people of Mr. RAHALL. I reserve the balance above’’ when you know that all the op- Puerto Rico understand what is at of my time. tions that are available are the four op- stake and the options before them. Mr. GUTIERREZ. I yield myself 1 ad- tions that we have been talking about. This amendment will make sure that ditional minute, Mr. Chair. The first option is for Puerto Rico to the ballots for these processes are I just want to make this abundantly continue being a territory, and we all available in both Spanish and English. clear to everyone, and I know that Mr. know what a territory is. Our Constitu- Through this amendment, Puerto PIERLUISI, the Resident Commissioner tion provides for such. Puerto Rico is Rico’s overwhelmingly Spanish-speak- of Puerto Rico who used to be the at- an unincorporated territory. That is an ing population will be able to under- torney general in Puerto Rico, under- option. And there are only three other stand the ballot and exercise their stands this to be true. And if not, I possible options as a matter of settled vote. Those who reside on the island would like him to step up and just say, U.S. law and international law: inde- but are not fluent in Spanish will still Luis, you’ve got it wrong. Please tell pendence, statehood, and free associa- have the opportunity to cast their bal- me that. tion. It serves no purpose, no real pur- lot. They simply need to request one in This is what happened in 1998: ‘‘None pose to include a ‘‘none of the above’’ English. of the above’’ was the option included option when those are the options that Mr. Chairman, this is a simple in the 1998 plebiscite by the very spon- we all know exist for the people of amendment, and it will provide for ev- sor, by the very party that the pro- Puerto Rico. eryone to understand such an impor- ponent of the legislation that comes If we want to effectuate self-deter- tant process that is going to have such before us today, Mr. PIERLUISI’s party. mination, if we want to facilitate self- an incredible impact on the many peo- They controlled the Governorship. determination, if we want to give a ple who live in Puerto Rico and those They controlled the House. They con- voice to Puerto Rico, to the people of who do not live in Puerto Rico. So I trolled the Senate. They set up the pa- Puerto Rico, with a meaningful pur- urge its adoption. rameters, and they included it. Yester- pose, we cannot include a ‘‘none of the Mr. GUTIERREZ. I reserve the bal- day they come and say to me that I am above’’ option. That was, indeed, the ance of my time.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:34 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.070 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3045 Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in Let me tell you why. Here’s what it guage. Let’s respect that cultural lin- opposition to the amendment. says on page 5. It says, ‘‘English bal- guistic integrity in Puerto Rico. The CHAIR. The gentleman from lots—the Puerto Rico State Elections I yield back the balance of my time. West Virginia is recognized for 5 min- Commission shall ensure that all bal- utes. lots used for any plebiscite held under b 1600 Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, the this act include the full content of the Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I yield pending amendment would strike the ballot printed in English.’’ That’s all it the balance of my time to the people’s requirement from the bill that a ballot says. representative from Puerto Rico (Mr. include the full content of the ballot Now, you know why they do that; to PIERLUISI). printed in English. Instead, the amend- give you the misunderstanding, right, Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I ment requires ballots to be printed in the false sense of confidence that peo- have heard here, and it is unfortunate, Spanish. An English ballot could be ob- ple are actually going to go, and some colleagues talk about this being tained only by the request of a voter. there’s going to be a campaign, and it’s rigged, using terms of that nature. And The underlying bill strikes the right going to be conducted in English, and I can take it because I know that this balance. We did address this issue dur- the people can go and take an English is a fair bill. ing our full committee consideration of ballot. The fact is that the ballots in Now I just heard that somehow we this legislation, and the underlying bill Puerto Rico are printed in Spanish. are opposing this amendment because gives rise to the printing of a unified The fact is—okay, let me give you an- of the way that this bill is drafted. Let ballot. The amendment before us other one. me say for the record of this House undoes that balance that we struck in There are, like, four big newspapers— that the language that provides for the full committee in consideration of well, there were four, but the one in having the ballots in both Spanish and this issue, and it puts the onus on an English went bankrupt. The ones that English was offered in committee, in English-proficient or otherwise English thrive are the ones in Spanish. Did you the Committee of Natural Resources at ballot-preferring voter to request such ever turn the TV on in Puerto Rico? Go the markup by Mr. HENRY BROWN from a ballot. down there. There are, like, three or South Carolina who belongs to the Re- In my opinion, this would add tre- four really Puerto Rican stations. As a publican Party. And we voted on it. mendously to the administrative proc- matter of fact, public TV in Puerto The reason I am opposing this essing of the ballots; it would com- Rico is in Spanish. The news is in amendment is it is totally unneces- plicate the process, and it would add Spanish, and we help provide some of sary. As a matter of local law in Puer- cost. It would be a tremendous cost ad- the funding through our contribu- to Rico, we need to provide the ballots dition to the process as well, and I tions—not the Congress of the United in both English and Spanish, and that would, therefore, urge the defeat of the States necessarily. is what we are doing. We are just being amendment. The fact is that I am here to affirm, fair. This amendment requires as an al- I reserve the balance of my time. to affirm, and I hope that this Congress ternative that now we need to print Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 recognizes that the people of Puerto separate ballots in English and force minute to the gentleman from Utah. Rico are a nation. They have a lan- those who feel more comfortable with Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chair, I rise in guage. We should respect that lan- the English language to request them. support of this amendment. I believe guage, and that language is Spanish. It is not necessary. We oppose it. I op- that English should be the official lan- And as we move forward, the ballots, in pose it. And that’s all I’ll say. I needn’t guage of the United States of America, order for them to understand this proc- say anymore. but that’s a different issue. Let’s be re- ess, should be in Spanish. The CHAIR. The question is on the alistic. The people in Puerto Rico pre- I reserve the balance of my time. amendment offered by the gentleman dominantly speak Spanish. Let’s pro- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I re- from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ). vide a ballot to them in Spanish so serve the balance of my time. The question was taken; and the that they can know what they’re vot- Mr. GUTIERREZ. How many more Chair announced that the noes ap- ing for. And the amendment provides speakers does the gentleman have re- peared to have it. that if anybody wants an English bal- maining? Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chair, I de- lot, they can get an English ballot. I Mr. RAHALL. I just have one con- mand a recorded vote. think that’s fair. I think that’s reason- cluding speaker. The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of able. It just allows the people of Puerto Mr. GUTIERREZ. Well, it’s very rule XVIII, further proceedings on the Rico to know what they’re voting on. I clear that every time we have an amendment offered by the gentleman think that’s a simple request. amendment, they want to, like, finish from Illinois will be postponed. it up. But that’s okay. It’s been unfair And there is no additional cost to the AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. BURTON OF people of the United States of America, from the very beginning, so what’s a INDIANA because I was able to pass an amend- little more unfairness. The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- ment in the committee that said that The fact is, I was a schoolteacher sider amendment No. 4 printed in there will be no cost to the United there. I was an elementary school- House Report 111–468. States taxpayers here in the conti- teacher for 2 years in Puerto Rico. Do Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- you know how much time the children nental United States. man, Mr. YOUNG and I have an amend- So again, I think it’s reasonable. I in the public school system—which we ment at the desk. rise in support of this and urge its sup- support, taxpayers of the United States The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate port. support. Do you know how much time the amendment. Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I re- during the day they speak in English? The text of the amendment is as fol- serve the balance of my time. One class out of six. You know how I lows: Mr. GUTIERREZ. I yield myself 11⁄2 know? I spent 50 minutes a day teach- Amendment No. 4 offered by Mr. BURTON of minutes of my time. ing them English for almost 2 years. Indiana: I thank Mr. CHAFFETZ and I thank And you know what, the students used Amend section 3(e) to read as follows: the gentlelady from New York for their to walk in, and they used to say, ‘‘Oh, (e) ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS.— comments. Mr. Ingles.’’ It was like the math class. The Puerto Rico State Elections Commis- Why do I propose this? Because we’re It was like the biology class. It was sion shall— getting hoodwinked again. That’s all like the class they didn’t want to take. (1) ensure that all ballots used for any that’s happening here. You know what But you know something, that plebiscite held under this Act include the they’re going to do? I’m telling you, doesn’t mean that they necessarily full content of the ballot printed in English; this is just like those derivatives that don’t love this country. It’s just that (2) inform persons voting in any plebiscite held under this Act that, if Puerto Rico re- they’ve got at Goldman Sachs. You they affirm who they are, and we tains its current political status or is admit- don’t know what’s in it. Look into it, should respect that. They’re Puerto ted as a State of the United States, the offi- because it’s going to blow up on you Ricans, a colony of Spain, and have cial language requirements of the Federal later on. Spanish as their predominant lan- Government shall apply to Puerto Rico in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:34 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.073 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3046 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 the same manner and to the same extent as not one language, so those who speak agree with that. So for that reason, I throughout the United States; and English and Spanish and those who urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the (3) inform persons voting in any plebiscite speak Spanish and English, both of amendment. held under this Act that, if Puerto Rico re- them have a right to read and under- I reserve the balance of my time. tains its current political status or is admit- stand what they are voting on. It is the Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I think the ted as a State of the United States, it is the amendment speaks for itself. I think Sense of Congress that it is in the best inter- right bill. It is the right amendment. est of the United States for the teaching of Let’s vote on both things. the amendment, Mr. Chairman, says English to be promoted in Puerto Rico as the Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. very clearly that we want to make sure language of opportunity and empowerment Chairman, I rise to claim the time in that everyone who casts a ballot in an in the United States in order to enable stu- opposition to the amendment. election or on a plebiscite has before dents in public schools to achieve English The CHAIR. The gentleman from them the ability to understand what language proficiency. Washington is recognized for 5 min- the ballot is about and be able to cast The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- utes. it intelligently. This is done in all lution 1305, the gentleman from Indi- Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. kinds of States. As a matter of fact, ana (Mr. BURTON) and a Member op- Chairman, I want to say that this many States have as many as 11 dif- posed will each control 5 minutes. amendment is unnecessary, and really ferent languages, which is really out of The Chair recognizes the gentleman it masquerades a whole debate on control, on one ballot. To say you can’t from Indiana. English, and let me explain why. This have two on this ballot in Puerto Rico Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- amendment has essentially three com- so they can cast their ballot intel- man, I yield myself such time as I may ponents, and I will paraphrase what ligently really doesn’t make much consume. those components are. They talk about sense. This is an amendment I think that all ballots used in the plebiscite must I am a very strong advocate for mak- everybody will embrace, at least I hope be in English, number one. Number ing sure that everyone in this country so, because it clarifies what was just two, prospective voters are informed speaks English, and I understand what discussed. I will read it to you real that the official language requirements my colleague just said, but in this par- quickly. It says this amendment would of the Federal Government shall apply ticular case we are talking about a retain the requirement that all ballots to Puerto Rico. And number three, it plebiscite that is going to be advisory used for authorized plebiscites include has a sense of Congress that it is in the for the Congress of the United States. the full content of the ballot printed in best interest to promote English. This is just to help this process along English as well as Spanish. It would Now let me address each of those and to make sure that it is understood also require the Puerto Rico State issues but let me suggest that I believe by everybody. Elections Commission to inform voters this amendment is offered to only deny Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. in all authorized plebiscites that if a straight up-or-down vote on the issue Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Puerto Rico retains its current status of English as the official language. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- or is admitted as a State that: (1) any First of all, the language that my official language requirements of the tleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ). good friend from Indiana read in sup- Mr. GUTIERREZ. I am happy the Federal Government shall apply to port of this amendment is already in gentleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) Puerto Rico to the same extent as the bill. It is on page 5. It says that the brought this amendment up. I think it throughout the United States; and (2) plebiscite will be carried out in should be soundly defeated, but I am it is the sense of Congress that the English. So we don’t need that because happy he brought it because it just teaching of English be promoted, not it is already in the bill. demonstrates the imperialist nature. demanded or anything, but be pro- The second provision is really mean- Here we are in the empire, the Con- moted in Puerto Rico in order for ingless. That is the one that talks gress of the United States, plenary English-language proficiency to be about Federal language requirements. powers over Puerto Rico, dictating achieved. We know there is no Federal require- what language they have to use. So we are talking about making sure ment in this country as to English, You know what, it’s amazing, but I’m that everybody who votes, everybody even though 30 States have adopted not surprised, Mr. BURTON, because I who is involved in any kind of an offi- that. There is no official one from the understand the people of Indiana are cial thing like a plebiscite, that they United States. There should be, but still a little angry at the people of will see it in both English and Spanish. there isn’t. Puerto Rico when they arrested Bobby We are also pushing to promote Finally, I will concede at least a lit- Knight. Bobby Knight got arrested in English more than it has been in the tle point. The sense of Congress lan- Puerto Rico. I think this is an impor- past. I think this is an amendment guage really has no statutory effect, tant story to tell you. He got arrested that everybody should agree with. but I will concede this: It is at least in Puerto Rico. There were Pan Amer- I yield such time as he may consume timely. Why do I say that, because just ican games, and the basketball team to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. 3 days ago the Secretary of Education from the United States was competing YOUNG). in Puerto Rico said: ‘‘English is taught against the basketball team from Cuba, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- in Puerto Rico as if it were a foreign and Bobby Knight went into a rage be- man, I strongly support this amend- language.’’ cause all of the fans in the stadium in ment. This is the same amendment we In the 2005 Census, 85 percent of Puer- Puerto Rico, all American citizens, had 12 years ago. It does promote Span- to Ricans said they had very little were clapping and cheering for the ish and it does promote English. This is knowledge of English. As a practical Cuban team and not the American nothing new. Right now in my State we matter, in the Commonwealth legisla- team. So he said to himself: What’s are printing our ballots in my State in ture, and in its courts and classes in wrong with these people? And he threw different languages within the State. public schools, Spanish is the primary a chair, as he likes to do, and he got ar- This is an amendment everybody language. So there is nothing in this rested. There is an arrest warrant, and should accept, except if you are just amendment that will change that. I don’t know, maybe Mr. PIERLUISI can adamantly opposed to the legislation, What should have happened and didn’t tell us if the arrest warrant is still as some people are. happen is the Rules Committee denied valid and out there since he was the at- I have spent some time in Puerto a straight up-or-down vote on English torney general. It just tells you they’re Rico, not as much time as some others, as official language. That was em- a nation, they’re a people, and they af- but I find an awful lot of Puerto Ricans bodied in Mr. BROUN of Georgia’s firm who they are in every instance. who do use English. I think that is a amendment. But unfortunately we Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I don’t blessing. I am one who thinks every- were denied the opportunity because know what that has to do with any- body should speak two or three lan- this is a structured rule to at least thing, but I yield to Mr. PIERLUISI for 1 guages if they can. This amendment is have a debate on that. If the intent of minute. the right way to go, and all of the the Rules Committee is to say this is Mr. PIERLUISI. I rise in support of plebiscites will be in both languages, the one we should have, I totally dis- this amendment. It is a sensible

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:22 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29AP7.060 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3047 amendment. It basically provides that fore them the ability to understand Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, whatever legal requirements apply in and cast the vote intelligently. I can’t today the nation of Puerto Rico is 8 the States will apply in Puerto Rico on understand why anybody would be op- million people strong; 4 million reside this issue. posed to this. It makes common sense, on islands of Puerto Rico and 4 million At the same time, it expresses a and I hope everybody will support it. live in the United States. sense of Congress that we should im- I yield back the balance of my time. From Florida to New York City to prove the teaching of English in Puerto b 1615 Chicago to California, and everywhere Rico. I am all for that. Ninety percent in between, there are Puerto Rican of the parents in Puerto Rico want to Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I communities across our Nation. Those improve the teaching of English in yield myself the balance of my time, Puerto Ricans who have been born in Puerto Rico to their children. I have which is 15 seconds. the United States are no less Puerto two bills pending before this Congress Mr. Chairman, as I mentioned in my Rican than the ones that reside on the seeking additional funding, one, and opening remarks, the pertinent part of island. All of us, regardless of where we the other creating a teacher exchange this amendment is already in the bill, were born or raised, have a deep and program so that we have more English and that speaks to the ballot; the other abiding connection with our cultural teachers in Puerto Rico. two are really meaningless. Frankly, home. This is not an issue. We have two of- this amendment does not even need to Puerto Ricans raised on the main- ficial languages in Puerto Rico, be considered today; but if it’s a cover, land often speak Spanish. They are English and Spanish, the same way Ha- then it’s a cover, and let’s call it what taught about their culture, history, waii has two official languages. We it is. and where they come from. There are want all of our children to be fluent in I yield back the balance of my time. Puerto Rico Day parades in New York English and to facilitate the govern- The CHAIR. The question is on the City, Chicago, Orlando, Hartford, and ment processes in Puerto Rico to the amendment offered by the gentleman cities across this land. Regardless of extent necessary so any English speak- from Indiana (Mr. BURTON). where they were born, all Puerto ers will be well served. The question was taken; and the Ricans are deeply vested in the polit- So I support the amendment that has Chair announced that the noes ap- ical future of the island. I was born and been offered by the gentleman from In- peared to have it. raised in Puerto Rico, but that does diana as well as the gentleman from Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chair, I demand a not make me more Puerto Rican than Alaska. recorded vote. Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of Clearly, there is an air bridge be- Chairman, I have 1 minute left and I rule XVIII, further proceedings on the tween the United States and Puerto have the right to close; is that correct? amendment offered by the gentleman Rico. Puerto Ricans have relatives and The CHAIR. The gentleman is cor- from Indiana will be postponed. family members living in Puerto Rico. rect. AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MS. VELA´ ZQUEZ And those Puerto Ricans living in the Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- States possess their own sense of iden- Chairman, I yield 45 seconds to the sider amendment No. 5 printed in tity, which is shaped by and tied to gentleman from Georgia (Mr. BROUN). House Report 111–468. Puerto Rico. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Chair- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I have an amend- This amendment would allow Puerto man, I rise in strong opposition to this ment at the desk, Mr. Chairman. Ricans living on the mainland to par- amendment because it is a hollow The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate ticipate in the plebiscite that is called amendment. No territory with an offi- the amendment. for under the bill. Importantly, the cial language other than English has The text of the amendment is as fol- amendment requires that those wish- ever been admitted to the Union. Why lows: ing to vote be able to prove, by birth this time? Amendment No. 5 offered by Ms. certificate, that they have at least one Instead of reporting the English VELA´ ZQUEZ: parent born in Puerto Rico. This will amendment I offered as a condition of Page 5, strike line 8 and all that follows provide a safeguard against voter fraud statehood, the Rules Committee re- through ‘‘Persons eligible’’ on line 13 and in- while ensuring that we do not dis- ported out a much watered down alter- sert the following: enfranchise Puerto Ricans living in the native English amendment which is op- (2) An individual residing outside of Puerto Rico, if the individual— States from this process. posed by every major pro-English (A)(i) is a resident of the United States, in- Mr. Chairman, Puerto Ricans living group in the country. Unlike my cluding a resident of any territory, posses- on the mainland are no less Puerto amendment which required English as sion, or military or civilian installation of Rican than those born and raised on a condition of statehood, the Burton- the United States, at the time the plebiscite the islands. We should not deny them a Young amendment only encourages is held; and voice or a vote as this process, which is English to be taught without any en- (ii) would be eligible to vote in the plebi- so important to the Puerto Rican na- forcement. scite but for the individual’s residency out- tion, moves forward. These Puerto Further, this amendment states that side of Puerto Rico; (B) was born in Puerto Rico; or Ricans cannot be denied their right of if Puerto Rico is admitted to the (C) has at least one parent who was born in self-determination. United States, the official language re- Puerto Rico. I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ quirements of the Federal Government This paragraph shall apply notwithstanding on this amendment, and I reserve the shall apply to Puerto Rico to the ex- any rule or regulation issued under sub- balance of my time. tent as throughout the United States. section (b). Persons eligible Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I rise We don’t have anything. That’s totally Page 6, after line 7, add the following: in opposition to this amendment. useless. (g) RECOGNITION OF RIGHT TO VOTE.—Con- The CHAIR. The gentleman from This would be a great provision if the gress recognizes the right of Puerto Ricans Puerto Rico is recognized for 5 min- residing outside of Puerto Rico to vote in United States had an official language. any plebiscite held under this Act and re- utes. Unfortunately, we do not. I urge my quests the Commonwealth Elections Com- Mr. PIERLUISI. The bill before us is colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this amend- mission of Puerto Rico to devise methods a product of careful deliberation. We ment. and procedures for such Puerto Ricans, in- worked hard in reaching the right and Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chair- cluding those born in, or having at least one correct balance in terms of deter- man, I will take my last 30 seconds to parent born in, Puerto Rico, to register for mining who should be eligible to vote say that the gentleman from Georgia and vote in absentia. in the plebiscites provided for in the has a very strong accent, but I under- The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- bill. stand him. lution 1305, the gentlewoman from New Before reporting it, the committee I would just like to say that this is a York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ) and a Member considered, as we had in previous Puer- clarifying amendment to make sure opposed each will control 5 minutes. to Rico status bills, which voters that everybody who votes down there The Chair recognizes the gentle- should be participating, and we had to in a plebiscite or in an election has be- woman from New York. strike a balance. The bill makes both

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:22 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.080 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 residents of Puerto Rico who are other- If you look at my birth certificate, it The text of the amendment is as fol- wise eligible to vote under Puerto Rico says Puerto Rico twice on it—mom lows: electoral law and U.S. citizens who born in Puerto Rico, dad born in Puer- Amendment No. 6 offered by Ms. were born in Puerto Rico but who may to Rico. Then it says Chicago, Illinois. VELA´ ZQUEZ: not reside in the territory at the time Nine months earlier, I would have been Page 3, strike line 8 and all that follows of the plebiscite eligible to vote. in Puerto Rico, so I’m separated by 9 through line 5 on page 4 and insert the fol- The committee recognized that a months. And yet every fabric of who I lowing: (a) AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT PLEBISCITE.— substantial number of individuals born am has a relationship to that wonder- The Government of Puerto Rico is author- in Puerto Rico but not currently resid- ful, beautiful island: its music, its ar- ized to conduct a plebiscite on the following ing there hope to return to live in tistry, its poetry, its patriots. As a 4 options: Puerto Rico one day. Accordingly, they matter of fact, one of the most beau- Page 4, after line 16, insert the following: can be said to have a practical stake in tiful songs ever written about Puerto (4) Commonwealth: Puerto Rico should helping to determine Puerto Rico’s fu- Rico was written in the United States continue to have its present form of political ture political status. Such argument of America and the longing for return- status. If you agree, mark here ll. (b) RUNOFF PROCESS.— does not hold, though, for those who ing to that island. (1) IN GENERAL.—If no option receives votes are of Puerto Rican descent but who Just think a moment, just think, on more than 50 percent of the ballots cast, were born outside of the territory, think of the exodus of Puerto Ricans the Government of Puerto Rico shall con- which the pending amendment would that left Puerto Rico in the 1950s dur- duct a runoff process to permit voters to se- allow. The bill chooses place of birth ing Operation Bootstrap. What did they lect among the 2 options that received the rather than ethnic identity as the eli- do? Did they come to the United States most votes. gibility criteria. I urge this criterion to and say, oh, great, we’re in the United (2) OPTION TO SELECT NONE OF THE ABOVE.— be maintained and that this amend- States; we’re going to stay here forever In a runoff process conducted under this sub- section, voters shall be permitted to vote ment be rejected. and die here? No. The longing was to for— I reserve the balance of my time. return one day to that island. Allow ´ (A) the option that received the most Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, them the vote on the future of that is- votes; may I inquire as to how much time I land. (B) the option that received the second have remaining. Mr. PIERLUISI. May I inquire as to most votes; or The CHAIR. The gentlewoman has 21⁄2 how much time I have remaining. (C) neither of those options. minutes remaining, and the gentleman The CHAIR. The gentleman has 31⁄2 The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- from Puerto Rico has 31⁄2 minutes re- minutes remaining. lution 1305, the gentlewoman from New maining. Mr. PIERLUISI. In listening to the York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ) and a Member Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield to the gen- gentleman from Illinois, I keep hearing opposed each will control 5 minutes. tleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ) that he wants Puerto Rico to become The Chair recognizes the gentle- such time as he may consume. independent, that he sees Puerto Rico woman from New York. Mr. GUTIERREZ. I thank the gentle- as a nation. So be it. That’s a dignified Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I lady. status, and that is one of the options am a strong believer that the people Well, let’s have a little talk here. that this bill provides for. are smart enough to make tough deci- There’s a difference: here’s citizenship, In crafting the bill, we tried to be as sions if they are presented with all the here’s nationality, here’s citizenship, inclusive as we could, recognizing that facts clearly and objectively. This leg- here’s nationality. They should not be Puerto Ricans, people born in Puerto islation does not provide a transparent confused. Ask the people in Ireland; Rico, might be interested in partici- process of the choices available to they were subjects of the Queen; there- pating in this plebiscite, might want to Puerto Rico. That is not democracy by fore, they were citizens. But they were return to Puerto Rico; and for the pur- any definition. always Irish. Ask the people of pose of being as fair and as democratic A true system of democracy does not Ukraine. They may have been subjects as we could, we drew the line on requir- preclude certain options from a ballot, of the Soviet Union and citizens of the ing birth in Puerto Rico. More than nor does it structure votes in a way to Soviet Union and have a passport, but that, we think it would be too encom- manipulate an electorate. Unfortu- they never stopped being Ukrainian, passing and not necessary. nately, as we all know, this legislation they never stopped being Lithuanian. So I oppose this amendment. I be- structures the votes in a way that will Look what happened in Yugoslavia lieve that the current bill is fair; it prevent a commonwealth option from once you got rid of Tito. We all saw ev- might not be perfect, like any piece of receiving fair consideration. erybody engage in their national pride. legislation. You draw lines when you’re The process that allowed for the cre- That’s what we do, too: we assert it. legislating, but this is a reasonable ation of the Commonwealth of Puerto As a matter of fact, the very pro- line. Rico was adopted by Congress. It is a ponents of this legislation affirm that I oppose this amendment, and I yield legitimate form of government that is I’m right, they recognize it; otherwise, back the balance of my time. accepted by millions. I, therefore, find why would you allow people outside of The CHAIR. The question is on the it appalling that this Congress will the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico to vote amendment offered by the gentle- consider precluding a commonwealth and to determine its future unless you woman from New York (Ms. as an option for the people of Puerto invested in them, unless they inher- VELA´ ZQUEZ). Rico. ently had in themselves the nation- The question was taken; and the Mr. Chairman, joining our Union as a ality of Puerto Rican? Chair announced that the noes ap- new State is not a step that should re- The gentleman from Puerto Rico peared to have it. sult from electoral tricks or engineer- says separation from ethnicity. I’m not Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chair, I de- ing. Joining the United States of an ethnic Puerto Rican. I might be a mand a recorded vote. America must be a decision that a peo- lot more Puerto Rican than some Puer- The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of ple undertake deliberately, knowingly, to Ricans are. I suggest the gentleman rule XVIII, further proceedings on the and voluntarily. If the people of Puerto come to my city of Chicago. In the amendment offered by the gentle- Rico wish to become a State, that op- Puerto Rican community there are woman from New York will be post- tion should be able to prevail against many American flags, but there are poned. all other choices. The people should af- two huge Puerto Rican flags. Don’t di- AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MS. VELA´ ZQUEZ firm, in a single vote, that they wish to vide the Puerto Rican nation; it is a The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- move in that direction. They should nation of people. It may decide that it sider amendment No. 6 printed in not be presented with a series of false wants to incorporate itself into the House Report 111–468. choices that are rigged to force the United States of America, but it al- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I electorate into choosing statehood. ways is a nation of people with the in- have an amendment at the desk. Under this amendment, there would alienable right to independence. Don’t The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate be an opportunity for a real vote, with divide our community. the amendment. all the options on the table. This

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:22 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.084 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3049 amendment eliminates the first round Puerto Rico, our two peoples are dif- Whether one supports commonwealth vote and adds commonwealth as a ferent in one critical respect: The resi- or improvements of the current com- choice for voters. It also provides for a dents of Puerto Rico, despite being monwealth or not, I think everyone runoff process if no option receives a citizens of the United States, cannot would agree that the process should be majority of votes. vote for President and do not have vot- fair and that it should enable the peo- If the supporters of statehood and the ing representation in Congress. They ple of Puerto Rico to express their pref- authors of this bill truly believe that also cannot access all Federal pro- erence for clear, equally treated op- they have the will of the people on grams to the same extent as can the tions. This amendment does that, and I their side, then this amendment should residents of the States. think the runoff with the two receiving cause them no concern. All this amend- H.R. 2499 would at long last give the the most votes and none of the above ment will do is provide a chance for the people of Puerto Rico this opportunity. provides an additional level that en- people to vote on the future of the is- The bill authorizes the government of sures that no one is forced to choose land with all the options before them, Puerto Rico to conduct an initial plebi- between options, neither of which they including commonwealth. To effec- scite. Voters would be asked whether support. tively preclude commonwealth from they wished to maintain the current I look forward to supporting the sta- this process is to deny the Puerto status or to choose a different status. tus option that the people of Puerto Rican people a true right to self-deter- The rationale for this plebiscite is sim- Rico select, but I would have reserva- ple. tions in doing so if it were arrived at mination. ´ I urge you to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Will the gentle- through a flawed process. This amend- amendment, and I reserve the balance woman yield? ment is an attempt to fix that flaw, of my time. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I yield and I urge my colleagues to support it. to the gentlewoman from New York. Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I re- b 1630 Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. The issue here is serve the balance of my time. Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I rise not if the people of Puerto Rico can Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, in in opposition to the amendment. vote or not in Presidential elections. closing, I will simply say that the au- The CHAIR. The gentleman from The issue here is a true, transparent, thors of this bill are not afraid of hav- Puerto Rico is recognized for 5 min- democratic process for the Puerto ing the people of Puerto Rico freely ex- utes. Rican people to participate in a ref- press themselves in a process that is Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield 3 minutes to erendum without imposing statehood. democratic and that is transparent. the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. They should support this amendment. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ). Chairman, in reclaiming my time, I be- Yet, if they are afraid that the only Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. lieve that this legislation would at way they can get a simple majority Chairman, I rise today in opposition to long last give the people of Puerto Rico that supports statehood is by denying the amendment because I believe it the opportunity that they have not the people of Puerto Rico the choice to will muddy the waters of an otherwise been given before. It authorizes the vote for commonwealth, they know clear choice that would be presented to government of Puerto Rico to conduct that history is on the side of the people the voters of Puerto Rico. an initial plebiscite. It gives the people of Puerto Rico. Repeatedly, every time I also rise with tremendous respect of Puerto Rico a chance to weigh in on plebiscites have been conducted in for my colleagues and friends, Con- whether they wish to keep their status Puerto Rico, the commonwealth status gresswoman NYDIA VELA´ ZQUEZ and the same or to change their status. has won, and statehood has been de- Congress needs to give the people of Congressman LUIS GUTIERREZ, while at feated. That is why they are so afraid, the same time rising in strong support Puerto Rico access to participatory de- and that is why they are denying the of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democ- mocracy, and this legislation does ex- right of the people of Puerto Rico to racy Act. actly that. It will create a process for true self-determination. Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory the citizens of Puerto Rico to decide I urge my colleagues to support and for 111 years, and its residents have their own political status. If the major- to vote for this amendment, and I yield been U.S. citizens since 1917. Puerto ity of voters cast their ballots in favor back the balance of my time. Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I am Ricans have a rich history of service to of a different political status, the gov- in opposition to the amendment offered our Nation. They have served honor- ernment of Puerto Rico would be au- by the gentlewoman from New York. ably in our military as Federal offi- thorized to conduct a second plebiscite which would include independence or This amendment would replace the cials and as ambassadors. Our newest plebiscite process authorized by the member of the Supreme Court, Justice statehood. I urge my colleagues to join me in bill with an entirely new process, in- Sonia Sotomayor, is of Puerto Rican voting ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 2499. cluding a runoff with a problematic descent. Yet, in all of this time, the Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, none-of-the-above option, which is un- people of Puerto Rico have never been may I inquire as to how much time re- sound, confusing, and unlikely to given the chance to express their views mains? produce a clear expression of the vot- about the island’s political relationship The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from ers’ views on the status question. with the United States in a meaningful New York has 21⁄4 minutes remaining. I urge my colleagues to reject this vote sponsored by Congress. Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield 1 minute to amendment. The amendment would de- Because H.R. 2499 embodies the com- the gentlewoman from the Virgin Is- lete the two-step process authorized by mitment to democracy that defines our lands (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN). the bill, and it would replace it with a Nation, I urge my colleagues to join me Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Thank you for one-step process that uses the term in voting ‘‘yes.’’ yielding. ‘‘commonwealth’’ to denote Puerto I am proud that 20 of the bill’s co- Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Rico’s current status. sponsors hail from my State of Florida. this amendment. As I said before, the term ‘‘common- The bill has received overwhelming bi- I agree that the people of Puerto wealth’’ is the legal name. It is the partisan support from my State’s dele- Rico deserve the opportunity to have a title given to the territory of Puerto gation because of the close relationship process whereby they can indicate Rico. Including the term when giving between Florida and Puerto Rico. My their status preference, but I also agree the people of Puerto Rico an option is district alone is home to more than that the way the vote is set up in the confusing in and of itself, particularly 30,000 individuals of Puerto Rican de- base bill is slanted towards a statehood because it could imply that it is more scent, many of whom travel frequently outcome. This is the third Puerto Rico than what it is. This has been debated to the island to visit family members. status bill that has been introduced long enough. A territory is a territory Companies in my district and across since I’ve been in Congress, and while I is a territory. Call it whatever you Florida regularly conduct business consider H.R. 2499 to come closest to may. with those located in Puerto Rico. providing a plebiscite in which all op- By limiting the plebiscites I author- Despite the close family and business tions would be equally treated, it is not ize to one, the amendment fails to ac- ties that bind many in my district with quite there yet. complish one of the primary purposes

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:22 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.088 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 of the bill: to determine whether the the political status of Puerto Rico. If you their future political status in a con- people of Puerto Rico consent to an ar- agree, mark here ll.’’. gressionally recognized referendum. rangement that, whatever its other Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘A bill to The amendment recognizes that express the sense of Congress that the Gov- Puerto Rico can conduct a plebiscite merits, does not provide them with ernment of Puerto Rico can proceed to con- self-government at the national level. duct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico, and for on whether to conduct a plebiscite on a The amendment includes a runoff proc- other purposes.’’. status option or options, and it calls on ess that provides for a none-of-the- The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- Congress to ‘‘respectfully postpone above option. By including this option, lution 1305, the gentlewoman from New consideration’’ of the issue until it re- the amendment undermines the pur- York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ) and a Member ceives a proposal for revision of the pose of the legislation, which is to en- opposed each will control 5 minutes. current U.S.-Puerto Rican relationship able a fair and informed process of self- The Chair recognizes the gentle- voted for by Puerto Ricans. determination for the people of Puerto woman from New York. We are all aware of the fact that Rico. ‘‘None of the above’’ is not a Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, Puerto Rico can conduct its own plebi- valid status. The last plebiscite pro- self-determination is a basic concept in scites. There is no disputing this fact. vided that, and to this day, we cannot a democracy. The ability of a people to In fact, they have done so multiple even interpret it. Including it on any choose their own national grouping times in the past, most recently in ballot misleads voters into thinking without undue influence from another 1998, but because some of those were that there is a possible alternative to country is rightly recognized as a core local referenda, which included defini- the three available options. element of freedom and liberty. Today, tions of the various status choices that I urge Members to vote ‘‘no’’ on this sadly, we are debating legislation that were inaccurate and likely not to be amendment, and I yield back the bal- turns its back on this principle. supported by Congress, the results were ance of my time. Perhaps what is most unfortunate is inclusive, which brings us to the need The CHAIR. The question is on the that what we are debating today in- of the bill pending before us. amendment offered by the gentle- volves imposing ideas from the outside We have an obligation to provide the woman from New York (Ms. onto the island. It seems to me, if we people of Puerto Rico with a process VELA´ ZQUEZ). wish to keep faith with the democratic that, more likely than not, will lead to The question was taken; and the tradition of self-determination, then a final resolution of the question of Chair announced that the ayes ap- we will look for the guide to Puerto their political status, a question with peared to have it. Rico’s future, not in the House of Con- which we have been grappling for more Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chair, I demand a gress and not in Washington, D.C., but than a century. The amendment of the recorded vote. in Puerto Rico. gentlewoman fails this test, and, for The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of The amendment that I am offering this reason, it should be defeated. rule XVIII, further proceedings on the will honor the concept of self-deter- I reserve the balance of my time. amendment offered by the gentle- mination. This amendment empowers Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I woman from New York will be post- the people of Puerto Rico to submit yield the balance of my time to the poned. their own proposal for moving forward. gentleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIER- ´ AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MS. VELAZQUEZ The amendment expresses the sense of REZ). The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- Congress that we should not proceed The CHAIR. The gentleman is recog- sider amendment No. 7 printed in until we have heard from those most nized for 21⁄2 minutes. House Report 111–468. affected by this debate, the Puerto Mr. GUTIERREZ. I thank the gentle- Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I Rican people. The residents of Puerto woman. We have been working very have an amendment at the desk. Rico should exercise freely and without closely together. The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate Mr. Chairman, this is a wonderfully the amendment. congressional interference. The right to self-determination and this amend- crafted amendment, but I think that it The text of the amendment is as fol- is very important that the Congress re- lows: ment recognize their rights. Rather than having Congress approve a bill spects the self-determination of the Amendment No. 7 offered by Ms. people of Puerto Rico to choose their VELA´ ZQUEZ: that says to the Puerto Rican people Strike all after the enacting clause and in- that their relationship with the United future relationship with the United sert the following: States must change, this amendment States or without the United States SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. sends a different message. It says to but to decide their future relationship. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Puerto Rico the Puerto Rican nation: We trust you This is the key pledge: Congress Democracy Act of 2010’’. to decide your future. pledges not to dissuade, to influence, or SEC. 2. FINDINGS. If they envision a better alternative to dictate a status option to the people Congress finds the following: than the status quo, then let them of Puerto Rico. (1) Congress respects the self-determina- Look, in my first election in Puerto tion right of the people of Puerto Rico to come to Congress and tell us. That is true self-determination. That is a proc- Rico, I represented the Puerto Rican choose their future relationship to the Independence Party. I was 19 years old United States. ess that will be viewed as legitimate by (2) Congress pledges not to dissuade, influ- all parties in Puerto Rico, and it is a in San Sebastian del Pepino. I was a ence, or dictate a status option to the people far cry from a bill that forces the Puer- delegate for that party until the first of Puerto Rico. to Rican people to take a series of election. There was one vote for the (3) Congress will respectfully postpone con- sham votes which are aimed at achiev- Puerto Rican Independence Party in sideration of the Puerto Rico status question ing a predetermined outcome. my polling place, what they call until it receives an official proposal from the Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to ‘‘Integro’’—right?—just for independ- people of Puerto Rico to revise the current honor the democratic tradition of self- ence. That was mine at that point. relationship between Puerto Rico and the I went to the university. I used to United States that was made through a determination. I urge Members to vote democratically held process by direct ballot. ‘‘yes’’ on this amendment. sell Claridad when I was at the univer- SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS. I reserve the balance of my time. sity, and I would sell it to others. I’ve It is the sense of Congress that the Govern- Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in been a proponent of Puerto Rican inde- ment of Puerto Rico can proceed to conduct opposition to the amendment. pendence. I got a nice, little carpeta, a plebiscite in Puerto Rico. The 2 options set The CHAIR. The gentleman from too—right?—and I haven’t called the forth on the ballot may be preceded by the West Virginia is recognized for 5 min- FBI yet to see what long list of things following statement: ‘‘Instructions: Mark utes. they’ve written down about me and one of the following 2 options: Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, this who I’ve associated with, but let me ‘‘(1) Puerto Rico should conduct a plebi- amendment does nothing to further the tell you something: scite to determine a future proposal for the political status of Puerto Rico. If you agree, goal of H.R. 2499, which is to provide The gentleman from Puerto Rico mark here ll. the people of Puerto Rico with a feder- knows that everything is not all fair ‘‘(2) Puerto Rico should NOT conduct a ally recognized process to allow them and square in Puerto Rico. There is an plebiscite to determine a future proposal for to freely express their wishes regarding adage in Puerto Rico—right?—which is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:22 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.091 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3051 don’t get together with those people or talking about Puerto Rico’s being a na- which citizens of Puerto Rico should, if you will be fingered. Do you know tion and so on. I respect that. If that’s they desire, become a State. I am of what? 1.8 million pages. You know, my the will of the majority of the people of the opinion and what this amendment dad was right. They had figured us out. Puerto Rico, I am sure this Congress does is to state very specifically that They had said who we were. Do you will respect it as well. But there are the citizens of Puerto Rico have within know what would happen? You couldn’t two other options. Yes, free associa- their power to make that determina- get a job. You couldn’t be a teacher. tion, it has been done before, and in tion. I think that is the proper way to You couldn’t be anybody prominent in Puerto Rico, people know very well go. the society of Puerto Rico. what free association is all about. And But I also believe that the amend- So I am here to say, for all of those the other one is statehood. There has ment that just passed by a voice vote, who fought for the independence of been lots of talk about statehood here. the Vela´ zquez amendment, accom- Puerto Rico and for its right to join as And what I tell to all those who have plishes the same thing. So I don’t want a sovereign nation in the world of na- raised concerns about the potential ad- to be redundant, and in a moment, Mr. tions, don’t do this. Don’t dictate. mission of Puerto Rico as a State is Chairman, I am going to ask if I can that we’re not there yet. When we get have this amendment withdrawn. b 1645 But before I do that, I yield 1 minute there, then we will address it. But at to my colleague from Illinois (Mr. Please note that although I have al- least this bill allows the people of GUTIERREZ). ways been an advocate, I have never Puerto Rico to express their will. What come before this Congress to dictate Mr. GUTIERREZ. I thank the gen- is more democratic than that? What is tleman for yielding to me. my opinion, to dictate an outcome fairer than that? Nothing. To simply which benefits me. Let me tell you I just want to make a couple of com- say we’re not going to get involved in ments before we end this debate, as we something. You think you’ve got a def- this, solve it among yourselves, easy inition for the commonwealth that you will very, very soon. way out, but that’s not fair. We’ve I know that everybody thinks this is can destroy? I have got a definition for waited long enough. about self-determination. If it were independence that I can sell also. But I I rise in opposition to this amend- truly about self-determination, why think it would be wrong to do it. I ment. are the other two parties in Puerto think it would be unfair to do it. I yield back the balance of my time. Rico opposed to the bill? Why is it that What the gentlewoman from New The CHAIR. The question is on the all those who believe in independence York is simply doing here is saying re- amendment offered by the gentle- are opposed to the bill? Why are those turn this process to the people of Puer- woman from New York (Ms. that believe in commonwealth opposed to Rico. VELA´ ZQUEZ). to the bill? If there is such consensus, As I come up here every time, The question was taken; and the if the gentleman truly represents the ‘‘Founding Fathers,’’ ‘‘Founding Fa- Chair announced that the ayes ap- will of the people of Puerto Rico, why thers,’’ ‘‘Founding Fathers.’’ Then they peared to have it. are the other two parties opposed to ask you who is your favorite Founding Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I de- the bill? And that’s a very important Father? And no one can name one. mand a recorded vote. question that we ask ourselves. Let me tell you something about the The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of Secondly, Mr. PIERLUISI acknowl- Founding Fathers. They had a Con- rule XVIII, further proceedings on the edged, just so that we have it all, in stitutional Convention. Let’s allow the amendment offered by the gentle- the Puerto Rican media, that he didn’t spirit of the Founding Fathers to act in woman from New York will be post- seek the opinions of the opposition Puerto Rico. poned. party with regards to this bill because Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I yield AMENDMENT NO. 8 OFFERED BY MR. HASTINGS it would have been, according to him, the balance of my time to the gen- OF WASHINGTON una perdida de tiempo. That means ‘‘a tleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- waste of time.’’ PIERLUISI). sider amendment No. 8 printed in Now, all I want to say is it isn’t a The CHAIR. The gentleman is recog- House Report 111–468. waste of time. It is valuable. And nized for 31⁄2 minutes. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. that’s why I am so happy that you are Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Chairman, I rise Chairman, I have an amendment in the doing what you’re doing because I in opposition to the amendment offered nature of a substitute made in order think we can all gather around the by the gentlewoman from New York. under the rule. gentlewoman VELA´ ZQUEZ and support This amendment is in the nature of a The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate her amendment. substitute and seeks to postpone an in- the amendment. Buscar consenso no es una perdida de formed self-determination process The text of the amendment is as fol- tiempo. To seek consensus is not a along the viable status options in Puer- lows: waste of time. to Rico. Postpone. Delay. Amendment No. 8 offered by Mr. HASTINGS Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in We’ve waited long enough. We have of Washington: opposition to the amendment. been waiting for 112 years. Strike all after the enacting clause and in- The CHAIR. The gentleman from In addition, it basically opts out. sert the following: West Virginia is recognized for 5 min- This is an opt-out. Congress is basi- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. utes. cally saying I’m not going to deal with This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Puerto Rico Mr. RAHALL. First, Mr. Chairman, this. Easy for Congress to do, but it is Plebiscite Act of 2010’’. just a correction. The gentleman from not the right thing. SEC. 2. PLEBISCITE. Washington stated that the previous Puerto Rico has and has had the authority Congress should be engaged in this amendment passed by voice vote. We to conduct a plebiscite of its residents on its have a rollcall order on that; so I just process like it has never done before. future political status and to transmit the Why? There are 4 million American wanted to correct that. result to Congress. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Will citizens living in that territory, and Amend the long title so as to read: ‘‘A bill to clarify Puerto Rico plebiscite authority.’’. the gentleman yield? they are being discriminated against Mr. RAHALL. I yield to the gen- every day in legislation that is pending The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- tleman from Washington. before the Congress. If they want to lution 1305, the gentleman from Wash- Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I un- live under those conditions, so be it. ington (Mr. HASTINGS) and a Member derstand that. The chairman said that They should tell this Congress. But if opposed each will control 5 minutes. the amendment passed. they want a different status, nonterri- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. RAHALL. We do have a rollcall torial, they should be given the chance from Washington. vote scheduled on that. also to express themselves along those Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. But lines. And the options are clear. Chairman, I yield myself such time as there will be a rollcall vote. The gentleman from Illinois, it looks I may consume. Mr. RAHALL. Reclaiming my time, like he favors one of those options, Mr. Chairman, the debate here has this particular amendment does noth- independence for Puerto Rico. He keeps centered largely on the procedure by ing to fulfill our obligation to provide

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:22 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.094 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 a process for self-determination for the sume on those amendments printed in McCotter Platts Simpson people of Puerto Rico, and it is very House Report 111–468 on which further McHenry Poe (TX) Smith (NE) McIntyre Posey Smith (NJ) similar to previous amendments that proceedings were postponed, in the fol- McKeon Price (GA) Smith (TX) have been offered today. It was my lowing order: McMahon Quigley Souder hope that when the gentleman sup- Amendment No. 1 by Ms. FOXX of McMorris Radanovich Space Rodgers Rangel ported reporting the bill from com- North Carolina. Spratt Mica Rehberg Stearns mittee, when he voted for it back on Amendment No. 2 by Mr. GUTIERREZ Michaud Richardson Sullivan July 22, 2009, when the bill passed out of Illinois. Miller (FL) Roe (TN) Terry Miller (MI) Rogers (AL) of our Natural Resources Committee Thompson (PA) Amendment No. 3 by Mr. GUTIERREZ Miller, Gary Rogers (KY) Thornberry on a 30–8, I see the ranking member, of Illinois. Minnick Rogers (MI) Tiahrt my good friend, the gentleman from Mitchell Rohrabacher Amendment No. 4 by Mr. BURTON of Tiberi Washington is listed as ‘‘aye’’ vote. It’s Moore (WI) Rooney Indiana. Moran (KS) Roskam Tonko an ‘‘aye’’ vote for the pending legisla- Amendment No. 5 by Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ Murphy (NY) Ross Towns tion before us today. of New York. Murphy, Tim Roybal-Allard Turner In addition, in looking through the Myrick Royce Upton Amendment No. 6 by Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ Vela´ zquez report here, I see no dissenting views. Nadler (NY) Rush of New York. Neugebauer Ryan (WI) Walden There are additional views, but there Amendment No. 7 by Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ Oberstar Sarbanes Watt are no dissenting views to this bill as it of New York. Obey Scalise Weiner came out of our Committee on Natural Olson Schakowsky Westmoreland The Chair will reduce to 5 minutes Paulsen Schmidt Whitfield Resources back on July 22 of last year. the time for any electronic vote after Wilson (SC) So we are where we are. Regrettably, Payne Sensenbrenner the first vote in this series. Pence Sessions Wittman the gentleman’s substitute does noth- Perriello Shadegg Wolf ing to advance the goal of self-deter- AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. FOXX Peters Sherman Woolsey mination for the people of Puerto Rico. The CHAIR. The unfinished business Petri Shimkus Wu Pitts Shuster Young (FL) It states the obvious. Puerto Rico does is the demand for a recorded vote on have the authority to conduct a plebi- the amendment offered by the gentle- NOES—179 scite on its own. It has done so on sev- woman from North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) Ackerman Garamendi Norton eral occasions, often with confusing on which further proceedings were Andrews Gonzalez Nye definitions of the alternatives. But postponed and on which the ayes pre- Arcuri Gordon (TN) Olver vailed by voice vote. Baca Grayson Ortiz there has never been, never been, a Baird Grijalva Owens congressionally authorized plebiscite, The Clerk will redesignate the Baldwin Hare Pallone one backed by the full power of the amendment. Barrow Hastings (FL) Pascrell United States Congress. And that is The Clerk redesignated the amend- Berkley Heinrich Pastor (AZ) Berman Higgins what the underlying bill is all about. ment. Perlmutter Berry Hill Peterson Bishop (NY) Hirono That is what our efforts are here about, RECORDED VOTE Pierluisi Blumenauer Holt showing some congressionally sanc- Polis (CO) The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been Boccieri Hoyer Pomeroy tioned approval of the Puerto Ricans’ demanded. Bordallo Inslee Price (NC) efforts at self-determination. Boswell Israel A recorded vote was ordered. Putnam Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance The vote was taken by electronic de- Boyd Jackson Lee Brady (PA) (TX) Rahall of my time. vice, and there were—ayes 223, noes 179, Reichert Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Braley (IA) Johnson (GA) not voting 34, as follows: Brown, Corrine Johnson (IL) Rodriguez Chairman, I yield myself the balance of Ros-Lehtinen [Roll No. 234] Brown-Waite, Johnson, E. B. my time. Ginny Kagen Rothman (NJ) In response to my good friend from AYES—223 Burton (IN) Kennedy Ruppersberger Ryan (OH) West Virginia, the distinguished chair- Aderholt Conaway Heller Campbell Kildee Cantor Kilroy Sablan man of the committee, yes, it’s true, I Adler (NJ) Cooper Hensarling Akin Costello Herger Cao Kind Salazar ´ voted for the bill, but there is always Alexander Courtney Herseth Sandlin Capps King (NY) Sanchez, Linda more to the rest of the story. Altmire Cuellar Himes Cardoza Kirkpatrick (AZ) T. In my opening remarks, I expressed Austria Culberson Holden Carnahan Kissell Sanchez, Loretta Carson (IN) Klein (FL) doubt that this is the proper way to go. Bachmann Cummings Honda Schauer Bachus Davis (IL) Hunter Castle Kline (MN) Schiff I expressed those doubts, but I know Bartlett Davis (KY) Inglis Chandler Kosmas Schock that this issue is something that needs Barton (TX) DeLauro Issa Childers Kratovil Schrader Bean Dent Jackson (IL) Chu Langevin Schwartz to be resolved. I was hoping when it got Clarke Larsen (WA) to the floor of the House it might have Becerra Dreier Jenkins Scott (GA) Biggert Duncan Johnson, Sam Clyburn Larson (CT) Scott (VA) an open rule so it could be perfected, Bilbray Ellison Jones Connolly (VA) Lee (CA) Serrano but I wanted to find out more about Bilirakis Ellsworth Jordan (OH) Conyers Levin Sestak this issue, and I found out more about Bishop (GA) Emerson Kanjorski Costa Lewis (GA) Shea-Porter Bishop (UT) Fattah Kaptur Crenshaw Loebsack Sires these issues and why now I believe I Crowley Lofgren, Zoe Blackburn Flake Kilpatrick (MI) Skelton Dahlkemper Luja´ n should be in opposition to it. I called Blunt Fleming King (IA) Slaughter Davis (CA) Lungren, Daniel Governor Fortuno last Friday and told Boehner Forbes Kingston Smith (WA) Davis (TN) E. Bonner Fortenberry Kirk Snyder him of my decision on that, and he was DeFazio Lynch Bono Mack Foster Kucinich Stark very gracious when we had that con- Boozman Foxx Lamborn Deutch Maffei Diaz-Balart, L. Maloney Stupak versation. Boren Frank (MA) Lance Sutton Now, as to this amendment, as I had Boustany Franks (AZ) Latham Diaz-Balart, M. Markey (CO) Dicks Markey (MA) Tanner mentioned, I think the Vela´ zquez Brady (TX) Frelinghuysen LaTourette Taylor Bright Gallegly Latta Dingell Matheson amendment accomplishes what I would Doggett Matsui Thompson (CA) Broun (GA) Garrett (NJ) Lee (NY) Thompson (MS) want to accomplish in my amendment. Buchanan Gerlach Lewis (CA) Donnelly (IN) McDermott Doyle McGovern Titus So, Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Burgess Giffords Lipinski Tsongas Buyer Gingrey (GA) LoBiondo Driehaus McNerney the Vela´ zquez amendment when we Van Hollen Calvert Gohmert Lowey Edwards (MD) Meek (FL) Visclosky have the rollcall. Camp Goodlatte Lucas Edwards (TX) Miller (NC) Walz Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous con- Capito Graves Luetkemeyer Ehlers Miller, George Wasserman Capuano Green, Al Lummis Engel Moore (KS) sent to have my amendment with- Schultz Carney Griffith Mack Eshoo Moran (VA) drawn. Watson Carter Guthrie Manzullo Etheridge Murphy (CT) The CHAIR. Without objection, the Cassidy Gutierrez Marchant Farr Murphy, Patrick Welch amendment is withdrawn. Chaffetz Hall (NY) Marshall Filner Napolitano Yarmuth There was no objection. Christensen Hall (TX) McCarthy (CA) Fudge Neal (MA) Young (AK) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR Cleaver Halvorson McCarthy (NY) Coble Harman McCaul NOT VOTING—34 The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of Coffman (CO) Harper McClintock Barrett (SC) Brown (SC) Castor (FL) rule XVIII, proceedings will now re- Cole Hastings (WA) McCollum Boucher Butterfield Clay

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:22 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.097 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3053 Cohen Hodes Shuler Perriello Roskam Space Watson Wittman Yarmuth Davis (AL) Hoekstra Speier Petri Roybal-Allard Stearns Welch Wu Young (AK) DeGette Linder Teague Pitts Royce Sullivan NOT VOTING—36 Delahunt Meeks (NY) Tierney Platts Ryan (WI) Terry Faleomavaega Melancon Wamp Poe (TX) Scalise Thompson (PA) Barrett (SC) Faleomavaega Mollohan Fallin Mollohan Waters Posey Schakowsky Thornberry Boucher Fallin Nunes Granger Nunes Waxman Price (GA) Schmidt Tonko Brown (SC) Filner Paul Green, Gene Paul Wilson (OH) Quigley Scott (GA) Towns Butterfield Granger Pingree (ME) Hinchey Pingree (ME) Radanovich Sensenbrenner Upton Cantor Green, Gene Reyes Hinojosa Reyes Rangel Sessions Vela´ zquez Castor (FL) Hinchey Shuler Rehberg Shadegg Watt Clay Hinojosa Speier b 1729 Richardson Shimkus Weiner Cleaver Hodes Teague Roe (TN) Shuster Westmoreland Cohen Hoekstra Wamp Ms. SUTTON and Messrs. HARE, Rogers (AL) Simpson Whitfield Davis (AL) Linder Waters HILL, SNYDER, KLEIN of Florida, Rogers (KY) Smith (NE) Wilson (SC) DeGette Meeks (NY) Waxman SKELTON, CONYERS, GEORGE MIL- Rogers (MI) Smith (NJ) Wolf Delahunt Melancon Wilson (OH) Rohrabacher Smith (TX) Woolsey LER of California, and COSTA changed Rooney Souder Young (FL) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR their vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ The CHAIR (during the vote). Mem- Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan, Ms. NOES—236 bers have 2 minutes remaining to vote. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. HARMAN, Mrs. Ackerman Etheridge Murphy (CT) HALVORSON, and Messrs. GRIFFITH, Adler (NJ) Farr Murphy, Patrick b 1738 BOOZMAN, SULLIVAN, WATT, JACK- Altmire Fattah Murphy, Tim Andrews Forbes Myrick Ms. DELAURO changed her vote from SON of Illinois, BURGESS, OLSON, AL Arcuri Foster Nadler (NY) ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ GREEN of Texas, ELLISON, Baca Fudge Napolitano Mr. DAVIS of Illinois and Mrs. Baird Garamendi COURTNEY, and CAPUANO changed Norton BLACKBURN changed their vote from their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Baldwin Gerlach Nye Barrow Gonzalez Oberstar ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ So the amendment was agreed to. Barton (TX) Goodlatte Obey So the amendment was rejected. The result of the vote was announced Bean Gordon (TN) Olson Berkley Grayson The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Olver as above recorded. Berman Green, Al Ortiz AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. GUTIERREZ Berry Halvorson Owens Stated against: The CHAIR. The unfinished business Biggert Hare Pallone Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 235, Bilirakis Harman Pascrell is the demand for a recorded vote on Bishop (GA) Harper I was away from the Capitol due to commit- Pastor (AZ) the amendment offered by the gen- Bishop (NY) Hastings (FL) Payne ments in my Congressional District. Had I Bishop (UT) Heinrich tleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ) Pence been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Blumenauer Higgins on which further proceedings were Perlmutter Boccieri Hill AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. GUTIERREZ postponed and on which the noes pre- Boehner Himes Peters Peterson The CHAIR. The unfinished business vailed by voice vote. Bordallo Hirono is the demand for a recorded vote on The Clerk will redesignate the Boren Holt Pierluisi Boswell Hoyer Polis (CO) the amendment offered by the gen- amendment. Boyd Inslee Pomeroy tleman from Illinois (Mr. GUTIERREZ) The Clerk redesignated the amend- Brady (PA) Israel Price (NC) on which further proceedings were ment. Brady (TX) Issa Putnam Braley (IA) Jackson (IL) Rahall postponed and on which the noes pre- RECORDED VOTE Bright Jackson Lee Reichert vailed by voice vote. The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been Brown, Corrine (TX) Rodriguez The Clerk will redesignate the demanded. Brown-Waite, Johnson (GA) Ros-Lehtinen amendment. Ginny Johnson, E. B. Ross A recorded vote was ordered. Burgess Johnson, Sam Rothman (NJ) The Clerk redesignated the amend- The CHAIR. This is a 5-minute vote. Burton (IN) Kagen Ruppersberger ment. Buyer Kennedy Rush The vote was taken by electronic de- RECORDED VOTE vice, and there were—ayes 164, noes 236, Campbell Kildee Ryan (OH) Cao Kilroy Sablan The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been not voting 36, as follows: Capps Kind Salazar demanded. [Roll No. 235] Capuano King (NY) Sa´ nchez, Linda A recorded vote was ordered. Cardoza Kirkpatrick (AZ) AYES—164 T. Carnahan Kissell Sanchez, Loretta The CHAIR. This is a 5-minute vote. Aderholt Flake Kirk Carson (IN) Klein (FL) Sarbanes The vote was taken by electronic de- Akin Fleming Kucinich Castle Kline (MN) Schauer vice, and there were—ayes 13, noes 386, Alexander Fortenberry Lamborn Chandler Kosmas Schiff not voting 37, as follows: Austria Foxx Lance Childers Kratovil Schock Bachmann Frank (MA) Latham Chu Langevin Schrader [Roll No. 236] Bachus Franks (AZ) Latta Clarke Larsen (WA) Schwartz AYES—13 Bartlett Frelinghuysen Lee (CA) Clyburn Larson (CT) Scott (VA) Chaffetz Jackson Lee Napolitano Becerra Gallegly Lee (NY) Cole LaTourette Serrano Edwards (MD) (TX) Quigley Bilbray Garrett (NJ) Lewis (CA) Connolly (VA) Levin Sestak Grijalva Kucinich Towns Blackburn Giffords LoBiondo Conyers Lewis (GA) Shea-Porter Blunt Gingrey (GA) Lucas Cooper Lipinski Gutierrez Lee (CA) ´ Sherman Velazquez Bonner Gohmert Luetkemeyer Costa Loebsack Honda Moore (WI) Sires Bono Mack Graves Lynch Courtney Lofgren, Zoe Skelton Boozman Griffith Manzullo Crenshaw Lowey NOES—386 Slaughter Boustany Grijalva Marchant Crowley Luja´ n Ackerman Bilbray Brown, Corrine Smith (WA) Broun (GA) Guthrie Marshall Cuellar Lummis Aderholt Bilirakis Brown-Waite, Buchanan Gutierrez McCarthy (NY) Cummings Lungren, Daniel Snyder Adler (NJ) Bishop (GA) Ginny Calvert Hall (NY) McCaul Dahlkemper E. Spratt Akin Bishop (NY) Buchanan Camp Hall (TX) McClintock Davis (CA) Mack Stark Alexander Bishop (UT) Burgess Capito Hastings (WA) McCollum Davis (TN) Maffei Stupak Altmire Blackburn Burton (IN) Carney Heller McCotter DeFazio Maloney Sutton Andrews Blumenauer Buyer Carter Hensarling McIntyre DeLauro Markey (CO) Tanner Arcuri Blunt Calvert Cassidy Herger McKeon Dent Markey (MA) Taylor Austria Boccieri Camp Chaffetz Herseth Sandlin McMahon Deutch Matheson Thompson (CA) Baca Boehner Campbell Christensen Holden McMorris Diaz-Balart, L. Matsui Thompson (MS) Bachmann Bonner Cantor Coble Honda Rodgers Diaz-Balart, M. McCarthy (CA) Tiahrt Bachus Bono Mack Cao Coffman (CO) Hunter Miller (FL) Dicks McDermott Tiberi Baird Boozman Capito Conaway Inglis Miller (MI) Dingell McGovern Tierney Baldwin Bordallo Capps Costello Jenkins Miller, Gary Doggett McHenry Titus Barrow Boren Capuano Culberson Johnson (IL) Minnick Donnelly (IN) McNerney Tsongas Bartlett Boswell Cardoza Davis (IL) Jones Mitchell Doyle Meek (FL) Turner Barton (TX) Boustany Carnahan Davis (KY) Jordan (OH) Moore (WI) Driehaus Mica Van Hollen Bean Boyd Carney Dreier Kanjorski Moran (KS) Edwards (TX) Michaud Visclosky Becerra Brady (PA) Carson (IN) Duncan Kaptur Murphy (NY) Ehlers Miller (NC) Walden Berkley Brady (TX) Carter Edwards (MD) Kilpatrick (MI) Neal (MA) Emerson Miller, George Walz Berman Braley (IA) Cassidy Ellison King (IA) Neugebauer Engel Moore (KS) Wasserman Berry Bright Castle Ellsworth Kingston Paulsen Eshoo Moran (VA) Schultz Biggert Broun (GA) Chandler

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:43 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29AP7.018 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3054 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 Childers Jackson (IL) Olson Titus Wasserman Wittman Doggett LoBiondo Rogers (KY) Christensen Jenkins Olver Tonko Schultz Wolf Donnelly (IN) Loebsack Rogers (MI) Chu Johnson (GA) Ortiz Tsongas Watson Woolsey Doyle Lofgren, Zoe Rohrabacher Clarke Johnson (IL) Owens Turner Watt Wu Dreier Lowey Rooney Cleaver Johnson, E. B. Pallone Upton Weiner Yarmuth Driehaus Luja´ n Ros-Lehtinen Clyburn Johnson, Sam Pascrell Van Hollen Welch Young (AK) Duncan Lungren, Daniel Roskam Coble Jones Pastor (AZ) Visclosky Westmoreland Young (FL) Edwards (TX) E. Ross Coffman (CO) Jordan (OH) Paulsen Walden Whitfield Ehlers Lynch Rothman (NJ) Cole Kagen Payne Walz Wilson (SC) Ellsworth Mack Roybal-Allard Conaway Kanjorski Pence Emerson Maffei NOT VOTING—37 Ruppersberger Connolly (VA) Kaptur Perlmutter Engel Maloney Ryan (OH) Conyers Kennedy Perriello Barrett (SC) Gohmert Paul Eshoo Manzullo Ryan (WI) Cooper Kildee Peters Boucher Granger Pingree (ME) Etheridge Markey (CO) Sablan Costa Kilpatrick (MI) Peterson Brown (SC) Green, Gene Reyes Farr Marshall Sa´ nchez, Linda Costello Kilroy Petri Butterfield Hinchey Rooney Flake Matheson T. Courtney Kind Pierluisi Castor (FL) Hinojosa Shuler Foster Matsui Sanchez, Loretta Crenshaw King (IA) Pitts Clay Hodes Speier Frelinghuysen McCarthy (CA) Sarbanes Crowley King (NY) Platts Cohen Hoekstra Teague Fudge McCarthy (NY) Scalise Gallegly McCaul Cuellar Kingston Poe (TX) Davis (AL) Lewis (GA) Wamp Schauer DeGette Linder Garamendi McClintock Culberson Kirk Polis (CO) Waters Schiff Delahunt Meeks (NY) Garrett (NJ) McCollum Cummings Kirkpatrick (AZ) Pomeroy Waxman Schock Faleomavaega Melancon Gerlach McCotter Dahlkemper Kissell Posey Wilson (OH) Schrader Davis (CA) Klein (FL) Price (GA) Fallin Mollohan Giffords McGovern Schwartz Davis (IL) Kline (MN) Price (NC) Filner Nunes Gonzalez McIntyre Scott (GA) Davis (KY) Kosmas Putnam Goodlatte McMahon Sensenbrenner ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR Davis (TN) Kratovil Radanovich Griffith McNerney Serrano DeFazio Lamborn Rahall The CHAIR (during the vote). Mem- Guthrie Meek (FL) Sessions DeLauro Lance Rangel bers have 2 minutes remaining to vote. Hall (NY) Mica Sestak Dent Langevin Rehberg Hall (TX) Miller (MI) Shadegg Deutch Larsen (WA) Reichert Halvorson Miller (NC) Shea-Porter Diaz-Balart, L. Larson (CT) Richardson b 1744 Hare Miller, George Sherman Diaz-Balart, M. Latham Rodriguez Harman Minnick Shimkus So the amendment was rejected. Hastings (FL) Mitchell Dicks LaTourette Roe (TN) Shuster Heinrich Moore (KS) Dingell Latta Rogers (AL) The result of the vote was announced Simpson Hensarling Moran (VA) Doggett Lee (NY) Rogers (KY) as above recorded. Sires Herger Murphy (CT) Donnelly (IN) Levin Rogers (MI) Smith (NE) Stated against: Herseth Sandlin Murphy (NY) Doyle Lewis (CA) Rohrabacher Smith (NJ) Higgins Murphy, Patrick Dreier Lipinski Ros-Lehtinen Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 236, Smith (TX) Hill Murphy, Tim Driehaus LoBiondo Roskam I was away from the Capitol due to commit- Smith (WA) Himes Nadler (NY) Duncan Loebsack Ross Snyder ments in my Congressional District. Had I Holden Neal (MA) Edwards (TX) Lofgren, Zoe Rothman (NJ) Space been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Holt Neugebauer Ehlers Lowey Roybal-Allard Spratt Hoyer Norton Ellison Lucas Royce AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. BURTON OF Stark Inslee Nye Ellsworth Luetkemeyer Ruppersberger INDIANA Israel Obey Stearns Emerson Luja´ n Rush The CHAIR. The unfinished business Issa Olson Stupak Engel Lummis Ryan (OH) Johnson (GA) Olver Sutton Eshoo Lungren, Daniel Ryan (WI) is the demand for a recorded vote on Tanner the amendment offered by the gen- Johnson (IL) Ortiz Etheridge E. Sablan Johnson, E. B. Owens Taylor Farr Lynch Salazar tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) on Johnson, Sam Pallone Thompson (CA) ´ Fattah Mack Sanchez, Linda which further proceedings were post- Jones Pascrell Thompson (MS) Flake Maffei T. Thompson (PA) poned and on which the noes prevailed Kagen Pastor (AZ) Fleming Maloney Sanchez, Loretta Kanjorski Paulsen Thornberry Forbes Manzullo Sarbanes by voice vote. Kaptur Payne Tiberi Fortenberry Marchant Scalise The Clerk will redesignate the Kennedy Pence Tierney Foster Markey (CO) Schakowsky amendment. Kildee Perlmutter Titus Foxx Markey (MA) Schauer Tonko The Clerk redesignated the amend- Kilpatrick (MI) Perriello Frank (MA) Marshall Schiff Kilroy Peters Tsongas Franks (AZ) Matheson Schmidt ment. Kind Peterson Turner Frelinghuysen Matsui Schock Upton RECORDED VOTE King (NY) Petri Fudge McCarthy (CA) Schrader Kirkpatrick (AZ) Pierluisi Van Hollen Gallegly McCarthy (NY) Schwartz The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been Kissell Platts Visclosky Garamendi McCaul Scott (GA) demanded. Klein (FL) Poe (TX) Walden Garrett (NJ) McClintock Scott (VA) Kline (MN) Polis (CO) Walz Gerlach McCollum Sensenbrenner A recorded vote was ordered. The CHAIR. This is a 5-minute vote. Kosmas Pomeroy Wasserman Giffords McCotter Serrano Kratovil Posey Schultz Gingrey (GA) McDermott Sessions The vote was taken by electronic de- Lance Price (NC) Watson Gonzalez McGovern Sestak vice, and there were—ayes 301, noes 100, Langevin Putnam Welch Goodlatte McHenry Shadegg not voting 35, as follows: Larsen (WA) Radanovich Whitfield Gordon (TN) McIntyre Shea-Porter Latham Rahall Wilson (SC) Graves McKeon Sherman [Roll No. 237] LaTourette Rehberg Wolf Grayson McMahon Shimkus AYES—301 Levin Reichert Wu Green, Al McMorris Shuster Lewis (CA) Richardson Yarmuth Griffith Rodgers Simpson Ackerman Bordallo Chaffetz Lewis (GA) Rodriguez Young (AK) Guthrie McNerney Sires Aderholt Boren Chandler Lipinski Roe (TN) Young (FL) Hall (NY) Meek (FL) Skelton Adler (NJ) Boswell Childers Hall (TX) Mica Slaughter Alexander Boustany Cleaver NOES—100 Halvorson Michaud Smith (NE) Altmire Boyd Clyburn Hare Miller (FL) Smith (NJ) Arcuri Brady (PA) Coble Akin DeLauro Hunter Harman Miller (MI) Smith (TX) Austria Brady (TX) Cole Andrews Edwards (MD) Inglis Harper Miller (NC) Smith (WA) Baca Braley (IA) Conaway Bachmann Ellison Jackson (IL) Hastings (FL) Miller, Gary Snyder Baird Bright Connolly (VA) Bachus Fattah Jackson Lee Hastings (WA) Miller, George Souder Baldwin Brown-Waite, Cooper Bilbray Fleming (TX) Heinrich Minnick Space Barrow Ginny Costa Blunt Forbes Jenkins Heller Mitchell Spratt Bartlett Buchanan Costello Boehner Fortenberry Jordan (OH) Hensarling Moore (KS) Stark Barton (TX) Burgess Crenshaw Bonner Foxx King (IA) Herger Moran (KS) Stearns Bean Burton (IN) Crowley Boozman Frank (MA) Kingston Herseth Sandlin Moran (VA) Stupak Becerra Buyer Cuellar Broun (GA) Franks (AZ) Kirk Higgins Murphy (CT) Sullivan Berkley Calvert Culberson Brown, Corrine Gingrey (GA) Kucinich Hill Murphy (NY) Sutton Berman Camp Dahlkemper Cantor Gordon (TN) Lamborn Himes Murphy, Patrick Tanner Berry Campbell Davis (CA) Capuano Graves Larson (CT) Hirono Murphy, Tim Taylor Biggert Cao Davis (KY) Carson (IN) Grayson Latta Holden Myrick Terry Bilirakis Capito Davis (TN) Christensen Green, Al Lee (CA) Holt Nadler (NY) Thompson (CA) Bishop (GA) Capps DeFazio Chu Grijalva Lee (NY) Hoyer Neal (MA) Thompson (MS) Bishop (NY) Cardoza Dent Clarke Gutierrez Lucas Hunter Neugebauer Thompson (PA) Bishop (UT) Carnahan Deutch Coffman (CO) Harper Luetkemeyer Inglis Norton Thornberry Blackburn Carney Diaz-Balart, L. Conyers Hastings (WA) Lummis Inslee Nye Tiahrt Blumenauer Carter Diaz-Balart, M. Courtney Heller Marchant Israel Oberstar Tiberi Boccieri Cassidy Dicks Cummings Hirono Markey (MA) Issa Obey Tierney Bono Mack Castle Dingell Davis (IL) Honda McDermott

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:43 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29AP7.021 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3055 McHenry Pitts Slaughter Campbell Heller Moore (KS) Space Tiahrt Watson McKeon Price (GA) Souder Cantor Hensarling Moran (KS) Spratt Tiberi Watt McMorris Quigley Sullivan Cao Herger Moran (VA) Stark Tierney Welch Rodgers Rangel Terry Capito Herseth Sandlin Murphy (CT) Stearns Titus Westmoreland Michaud Rogers (AL) Tiahrt Capps Higgins Murphy (NY) Stupak Tonko Whitfield Miller (FL) Royce Towns Capuano Hill Murphy, Patrick Sullivan Tsongas Wilson (SC) ´ Miller, Gary Rush Velazquez Cardoza Himes Murphy, Tim Sutton Turner Wittman Moore (WI) Salazar Watt Carney Hirono Myrick Tanner Upton Wolf Moran (KS) Schakowsky Weiner Taylor Van Hollen Carson (IN) Holden Nadler (NY) Woolsey Myrick Schmidt Westmoreland Terry Visclosky Carter Holt Napolitano Wu Napolitano Scott (VA) Wittman Cassidy Hoyer Neal (MA) Thompson (CA) Walden Yarmuth Oberstar Skelton Woolsey Castle Hunter Neugebauer Thompson (MS) Walz Young (AK) Chaffetz Inglis Norton Thompson (PA) Wasserman NOT VOTING—35 Young (FL) Chandler Inslee Nye Thornberry Schultz Barrett (SC) Filner Nunes Childers Israel Oberstar NOT VOTING—38 Boucher Gohmert Paul Christensen Issa Obey Brown (SC) Granger Pingree (ME) Chu Jackson (IL) Olson Akin Fallin Nunes Butterfield Green, Gene Reyes Clarke Jenkins Olver Barrett (SC) Filner Paul Castor (FL) Hinchey Shuler Cleaver Johnson (GA) Ortiz Boucher Granger Pingree (ME) Clay Hinojosa Speier Clyburn Johnson (IL) Owens Brown (SC) Green, Al Reyes Cohen Hodes Teague Coble Johnson, E. B. Pallone Butterfield Green, Gene Schock Davis (AL) Hoekstra Wamp Coffman (CO) Johnson, Sam Pascrell Carnahan Hinchey Shuler DeGette Linder Castor (FL) Hinojosa Waters Cole Jones Pastor (AZ) Speier Delahunt Meeks (NY) Clay Hodes Waxman Conaway Jordan (OH) Paulsen Teague Faleomavaega Melancon Cohen Hoekstra Wilson (OH) Connolly (VA) Kagen Payne Wamp Fallin Mollohan Davis (AL) Linder Conyers Kanjorski Pence Waters DeGette Meeks (NY) Cooper Kennedy Perlmutter Waxman ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR Delahunt Melancon Costa Kildee Perriello Wilson (OH) The CHAIR (during the vote). Mem- Costello Kilroy Peters Faleomavaega Mollohan Courtney Kind Peterson bers have 2 minutes remaining to vote. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR Crenshaw King (IA) Petri b 1751 Crowley King (NY) Pierluisi The CHAIR (during the vote). Mem- Cuellar Kingston Pitts bers have 2 minutes remaining to vote. Mr. SMITH of Texas changed his vote Culberson Kirk Platts from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Cummings Kirkpatrick (AZ) Poe (TX) So the amendment was agreed to. Dahlkemper Kissell Polis (CO) b 1758 Davis (CA) Klein (FL) Pomeroy The result of the vote was announced Davis (IL) Kline (MN) Posey So the amendment was rejected. as above recorded. Davis (KY) Kosmas Price (GA) The result of the vote was announced Stated for: Davis (TN) Kratovil Price (NC) as above recorded. DeFazio Lamborn Putnam Stated against: Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 237, DeLauro Lance Quigley I was away from the Capitol due to commit- Dent Langevin Radanovich Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 238, ments in my Congressional District. Had I Deutch Larsen (WA) Rahall I was away from the Capitol due to commit- been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ Diaz-Balart, L. Larson (CT) Rangel ments in my congressional district. Had I been Diaz-Balart, M. Latham Rehberg AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MS. VELA´ ZQUEZ Dicks LaTourette Reichert present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ The CHAIR. The unfinished business Dingell Latta Richardson AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MS. VELA´ ZQUEZ is the demand for a recorded vote on Doggett Lee (NY) Rodriguez The CHAIR. The unfinished business Donnelly (IN) Levin Roe (TN) the amendment offered by the gentle- Doyle Lewis (CA) Rogers (AL) is the demand for a recorded vote on woman from New York (Ms. Dreier Lewis (GA) Rogers (KY) the amendment offered by the gentle- VELA´ ZQUEZ) on which further pro- Driehaus Lipinski Rogers (MI) woman from New York (Ms. Duncan LoBiondo Rohrabacher VELA´ ZQUEZ) on which further pro- ceedings were postponed and on which Edwards (MD) Loebsack Rooney the noes prevailed by voice vote. Edwards (TX) Lofgren, Zoe Ros-Lehtinen ceedings were postponed and on which The Clerk will redesignate the Ehlers Lowey Roskam the ayes prevailed by voice vote. amendment. Ellison Lucas Ross The Clerk will redesignate the Ellsworth Luetkemeyer Rothman (NJ) The Clerk redesignated the amend- Emerson Luja´ n Roybal-Allard amendment. ment. Engel Lummis Royce The Clerk redesignated the amend- Eshoo Lungren, Daniel Ruppersberger RECORDED VOTE ment. Etheridge E. Rush The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been Farr Lynch Ryan (OH) RECORDED VOTE demanded. Fattah Mack Ryan (WI) The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been A recorded vote was ordered. Flake Maffei Sablan demanded. Fleming Maloney Salazar The CHAIR. This is a 5-minute vote. Forbes Manzullo Sa´ nchez, Linda A recorded vote was ordered. The vote was taken by electronic de- Fortenberry Marchant T. The CHAIR. This is a 5-minute vote. vice, and there were—ayes 11, noes 387, Foster Markey (CO) Sanchez, Loretta The vote was taken by electronic de- Foxx Markey (MA) Sarbanes vice, and there were—ayes 112, noes 285, not voting 38, as follows: Frank (MA) Marshall Scalise [Roll No. 238] Franks (AZ) Matheson Schakowsky not voting 39, as follows: AYES—11 Frelinghuysen Matsui Schauer [Roll No. 239] Fudge McCarthy (CA) Schiff Gutierrez Kaptur Moore (WI) Gallegly McCarthy (NY) Schmidt AYES—112 Honda Kilpatrick (MI) Towns Garamendi McCaul Schrader Altmire DeLauro Honda Jackson Lee Kucinich Vela´ zquez Garrett (NJ) McClintock Schwartz Bartlett Dreier Inglis (TX) Lee (CA) Weiner Gerlach McCollum Scott (GA) Bilbray Duncan Johnson (IL) Giffords McCotter Scott (VA) Bishop (GA) Ellison Jordan (OH) NOES—387 Gingrey (GA) McDermott Sensenbrenner Bonner Ellsworth Kaptur Ackerman Berkley Boren Gohmert McGovern Serrano Boozman Flake Kilpatrick (MI) Aderholt Berman Boswell Gonzalez McHenry Sessions Boren Fortenberry King (IA) Adler (NJ) Berry Boustany Goodlatte McIntyre Sestak Brady (TX) Foster Kingston Alexander Biggert Boyd Gordon (TN) McKeon Shadegg Bright Foxx Kline (MN) Altmire Bilbray Brady (PA) Graves McMahon Shea-Porter Broun (GA) Frank (MA) Kucinich Andrews Bilirakis Brady (TX) Grayson McMorris Sherman Burgess Franks (AZ) Lamborn Arcuri Bishop (GA) Braley (IA) Griffith Rodgers Shimkus Capito Frelinghuysen Lance Austria Bishop (NY) Bright Grijalva McNerney Shuster Carter Gerlach Larson (CT) Baca Bishop (UT) Broun (GA) Guthrie Meek (FL) Simpson Christensen Giffords Latham Bachmann Blackburn Brown, Corrine Hall (NY) Mica Sires Clarke Gingrey (GA) Lee (CA) Bachus Blumenauer Brown-Waite, Hall (TX) Michaud Skelton Coble Grijalva Lee (NY) Baird Blunt Ginny Halvorson Miller (FL) Slaughter Coffman (CO) Gutierrez Lowey Baldwin Boccieri Buchanan Hare Miller (MI) Smith (NE) Cole Hall (TX) Marchant Barrow Boehner Burgess Harman Miller (NC) Smith (NJ) Conaway Hastings (WA) Marshall Bartlett Bonner Burton (IN) Harper Miller, Gary Smith (TX) Cooper Hensarling Matheson Barton (TX) Bono Mack Buyer Hastings (FL) Miller, George Smith (WA) Costello Herger McMahon Bean Boozman Calvert Hastings (WA) Minnick Snyder Courtney Herseth Sandlin McMorris Becerra Bordallo Camp Heinrich Mitchell Souder Culberson Himes Rodgers

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:43 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29AP7.023 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3056 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 Michaud Poe (TX) Smith (NE) Scott (VA) Sutton Visclosky Grijalva Marshall Roskam Miller, Gary Price (GA) Smith (TX) Sensenbrenner Tanner Walden Guthrie Matheson Roybal-Allard Minnick Richardson Souder Serrano Taylor Walz Gutierrez McCarthy (NY) Royce Mitchell Rogers (KY) Space Sestak Terry Wasserman Hall (TX) McCaul Rush Moore (WI) Rohrabacher Stearns Shea-Porter Thompson (CA) Schultz Hastings (WA) McClintock Ryan (WI) Murphy (CT) Roskam Sullivan Shimkus Thompson (MS) Watson Heller McCollum Scalise Murphy (NY) Roybal-Allard Thornberry Shuster Thompson (PA) Welch Hensarling McCotter Schmidt Nadler (NY) Royce Tonko Simpson Tiahrt Whitfield Herger McHenry Sensenbrenner Sires Tiberi Neal (MA) Scalise Towns Wittman Holden McKeon Sessions Neugebauer Schakowsky Smith (NJ) Tierney Honda McMahon Vela´ zquez Wolf Shadegg Nye Schrader Smith (WA) Titus Hunter McMorris Watt Woolsey Sherman Olson Sessions Snyder Tsongas Inglis Rodgers Weiner Pence Shadegg Spratt Turner Wu Jenkins Michaud Shimkus Pitts Sherman Westmoreland Stark Upton Young (AK) Johnson (IL) Miller (MI) Shuster Platts Skelton Wilson (SC) Stupak Van Hollen Young (FL) Johnson, Sam Miller, Gary Simpson Jones Minnick Skelton NOT VOTING—39 NOES—285 Jordan (OH) Mitchell Smith (TX) Barrett (SC) Gohmert Obey Kanjorski Moore (WI) Souder Ackerman Doyle Mack Boucher Granger Paul Kaptur Moran (KS) Space Aderholt Driehaus Maffei Brown (SC) Green, Gene Pingree (ME) Kilpatrick (MI) Myrick Stearns Adler (NJ) Edwards (MD) Maloney Butterfield Hinchey Reyes King (IA) Nadler (NY) Sullivan Akin Edwards (TX) Manzullo Castor (FL) Hinojosa Shuler Kucinich Neal (MA) Tanner Alexander Ehlers Markey (CO) Clay Hodes Slaughter Lamborn Neugebauer Thompson (PA) Andrews Emerson Markey (MA) Cohen Hoekstra Speier Lance Nye Thornberry Arcuri Engel Matsui Davis (AL) Linder Teague Larson (CT) Olson Austria Tiberi Eshoo McCarthy (CA) DeGette McCaul Wamp Latham Paulsen Baca Tonko Etheridge McCarthy (NY) Delahunt Meeks (NY) Waters LaTourette Perriello Bachmann Towns Farr McClintock Faleomavaega Melancon Waxman Latta Petri Bachus Turner Fattah McCollum Fallin Mollohan Wilson (OH) Lee (NY) Pitts Baird Upton Fleming McCotter Filner Nunes Yarmuth Lewis (CA) Platts Vela´ zquez Baldwin Forbes McDermott Lipinski Poe (TX) Barrow Fudge McGovern ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR LoBiondo Price (GA) Watt Barton (TX) Gallegly McHenry The CHAIR (during the vote). Mem- Lowey Roe (TN) Weiner Bean Garamendi McIntyre Westmoreland bers have 2 minutes remaining to vote. Lucas Rogers (AL) Becerra Garrett (NJ) McKeon Luetkemeyer Rogers (KY) Whitfield Berkley Gonzalez McNerney Lynch Rogers (MI) Wilson (SC) Berman Goodlatte Meek (FL) b 1805 Manzullo Rohrabacher Wittman Berry Gordon (TN) Mica Marchant Rooney Wolf Biggert Graves Miller (FL) Mr. SPRATT changed his vote from Bilirakis Grayson Miller (MI) ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ NOES—223 Bishop (NY) Green, Al Miller (NC) So the amendment was rejected. Bishop (UT) Griffith Miller, George Ackerman Donnelly (IN) Levin Blackburn Guthrie Moore (KS) The result of the vote was announced Alexander Doyle Lewis (GA) Blumenauer Hall (NY) Moran (KS) as above recorded. Andrews Driehaus Loebsack Blunt Halvorson Moran (VA) Stated against: Baca Edwards (MD) Lofgren, Zoe Boccieri Hare Murphy, Patrick Baird Edwards (TX) Luja´ n Boehner Harman Murphy, Tim Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 239, Baldwin Ehlers Lummis Bono Mack Harper Myrick I was away from the Capitol due to commit- Barrow Engel Lungren, Daniel Bordallo Hastings (FL) Napolitano ments in my congressional district. Had I been Bean Eshoo E. Boswell Heinrich Norton present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Berkley Etheridge Maffei Boustany Heller Oberstar Berman Farr Maloney Boyd Higgins Olver AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MS. VELA´ ZQUEZ Berry Fleming Markey (CO) Brady (PA) Hill Ortiz The CHAIR. The unfinished business Biggert Foster Markey (MA) Braley (IA) Hirono Owens Bishop (NY) Frelinghuysen Matsui Brown, Corrine Holden Pallone is the demand for a recorded vote on Bishop (UT) Fudge McCarthy (CA) Brown-Waite, Holt Pascrell the amendment offered by the gentle- Boccieri Garamendi McDermott Ginny Hoyer Pastor (AZ) woman from New York (Ms. Bono Mack Garrett (NJ) McGovern Buchanan Hunter Paulsen VELA´ ZQUEZ) on which further pro- Bordallo Gonzalez McIntyre Burton (IN) Inslee Payne Boswell Gordon (TN) McNerney Buyer Israel Perlmutter ceedings were postponed and on which Brady (PA) Grayson Meek (FL) Calvert Issa Perriello the noes prevailed by voice vote. Braley (IA) Green, Al Mica Camp Jackson (IL) Peters The Clerk will redesignate the Brown, Corrine Hall (NY) Miller (FL) Campbell Jackson Lee Peterson Brown-Waite, Halvorson Miller (NC) Cantor (TX) Petri amendment. Ginny Hare Miller, George Cao Jenkins Pierluisi The Clerk redesignated the amend- Burgess Harman Moore (KS) Capps Johnson (GA) Polis (CO) ment. Burton (IN) Harper Moran (VA) Capuano Johnson, E. B. Pomeroy Camp Hastings (FL) Murphy (CT) Cardoza Johnson, Sam Posey RECORDED VOTE Campbell Heinrich Murphy (NY) Carnahan Jones Price (NC) The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been Cantor Herseth Sandlin Murphy, Patrick Carney Kagen Putnam demanded. Cao Higgins Murphy, Tim Carson (IN) Kanjorski Quigley Capps Hill Napolitano Cassidy Kennedy Radanovich A recorded vote was ordered. Capuano Himes Norton Castle Kildee Rahall The CHAIR. This is a 5-minute vote. Cardoza Hirono Oberstar Chaffetz Kilroy Rangel The vote was taken by electronic de- Carnahan Holt Obey Chandler Kind Rehberg vice, and there were—ayes 171, noes 223, Carson (IN) Hoyer Olver Childers King (NY) Reichert Castle Inslee Ortiz Chu Kirk Rodriguez not voting 42, as follows: Childers Israel Owens Cleaver Kirkpatrick (AZ) Roe (TN) [Roll No. 240] Chu Issa Pallone Clyburn Kissell Rogers (AL) Clarke Jackson (IL) Pascrell Connolly (VA) Klein (FL) Rogers (MI) AYES—171 Cleaver Jackson Lee Pastor (AZ) Conyers Kosmas Rooney Aderholt Brady (TX) DeLauro Clyburn (TX) Payne Costa Kratovil Ros-Lehtinen Adler (NJ) Bright Dreier Cole Johnson (GA) Pence Crenshaw Langevin Ross Akin Broun (GA) Duncan Connolly (VA) Johnson, E. B. Perlmutter Crowley Larsen (WA) Rothman (NJ) Altmire Buchanan Ellison Conyers Kagen Peters Cuellar LaTourette Ruppersberger Arcuri Buyer Ellsworth Costa Kennedy Peterson Cummings Latta Rush Austria Calvert Emerson Crenshaw Kildee Pierluisi Dahlkemper Levin Ryan (OH) Bachmann Capito Fattah Crowley Kilroy Polis (CO) Davis (CA) Lewis (CA) Ryan (WI) Bachus Carney Flake Cuellar Kind Pomeroy Davis (IL) Lewis (GA) Sablan Bartlett Carter Forbes Cummings King (NY) Posey Davis (KY) Lipinski Salazar Barton (TX) Cassidy Fortenberry Dahlkemper Kingston Price (NC) Davis (TN) LoBiondo Sa´ nchez, Linda Becerra Chaffetz Foxx Davis (CA) Kirk Putnam DeFazio Loebsack T. Bilbray Chandler Frank (MA) Davis (TN) Kirkpatrick (AZ) Quigley Dent Lofgren, Zoe Sanchez, Loretta Bilirakis Coble Franks (AZ) DeFazio Kissell Radanovich Deutch Lucas Sarbanes Bishop (GA) Coffman (CO) Gallegly Dent Klein (FL) Rahall Diaz-Balart, L. Luetkemeyer Schauer Blunt Conaway Gerlach Deutch Kline (MN) Rangel Diaz-Balart, M. Luja´ n Schiff Boehner Cooper Giffords Diaz-Balart, L. Kosmas Rehberg Dicks Lummis Schmidt Bonner Costello Gingrey (GA) Diaz-Balart, M. Kratovil Reichert Dingell Lungren, Daniel Schock Boozman Courtney Goodlatte Dicks Langevin Richardson Doggett E. Schwartz Boren Davis (IL) Graves Dingell Larsen (WA) Rodriguez Donnelly (IN) Lynch Scott (GA) Boustany Davis (KY) Griffith Doggett Lee (CA) Ros-Lehtinen

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:43 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29AP7.025 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3057 Ross Scott (VA) Thompson (MS) Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I am. This MTR simply expresses the views Rothman (NJ) Serrano Tiahrt The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ruppersberger Sestak Tierney on these two important issues. It has Ryan (OH) Shea-Porter Titus Clerk will report the motion to recom- been asserted during the debate that Sablan Sires Tsongas mit. providing for English as the official Salazar Slaughter Van Hollen The Clerk read as follows: language is something unprecedented Sa´ nchez, Linda Smith (NE) Visclosky T. Smith (NJ) Walden Mr. Hastings of Washington moves to re- or that it is something which hasn’t Sanchez, Loretta Smith (WA) Walz commit the bill H.R. 2499 to the Committee been talked about or whatever. That is Sarbanes Snyder Wasserman on Natural Resources with instructions to simply not true, because four States Schakowsky Spratt Schultz report the same back to the House forthwith Schauer Stark Watson were admitted to the Union, and part with the following amendment: of that admittance was a requirement Schiff Stupak Welch Amend Section 2(c)(3) to read as follows: Schock Sutton Woolsey (3) Statehood: Puerto Rico should be ad- that English would be the official lan- Schrader Taylor Wu guage. Schwartz Terry Young (AK) mitted as a State of the Union, the official Scott (GA) Thompson (CA) Young (FL) language of this State shall be English, and So, Mr. Speaker, this is a pretty all its official business shall be conducted in straightforward motion to recommit, NOT VOTING—42 English; and laws shall be in place that en- and I urge my colleagues to vote for Barrett (SC) Delahunt Melancon sure that its residents have the Second the motion to recommit. Blackburn Faleomavaega Mollohan Amendment right to own, possess, carry, use Blumenauer Fallin Nunes I yield back the balance of my time. for lawful self defense, store. assembled at Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I rise Boucher Filner Paul home, and transport for lawful purposes, Boyd Gohmert Pingree (ME) firearms and in any amount ammunition, in opposition to the motion to recom- Brown (SC) Granger Reyes mit. Butterfield Green, Gene Shuler provided that such keeping and bearing of Castor (FL) Hinchey Speier firearms and ammunition does not otherwise The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Christensen Hinojosa Teague violate Federal law. If you agree, mark here tleman from Puerto Rico is recognized Clay Hodes Wamp lll. for 5 minutes. Cohen Hoekstra Waters Mr. PIERLUISI. The matters that Culberson Linder Waxman Mr. HASTINGS of Washington (dur- Davis (AL) Mack Wilson (OH) ing the reading). Mr. Chairman, I ask are being raised in this motion are pre- DeGette Meeks (NY) Yarmuth unanimous consent that the motion be mature. They are irrelevant, actually, ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR considered read. because all that H.R. 2499 does is to The CHAIR (during the vote). Mem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there consult the people of Puerto Rico on bers have 2 minutes remaining to vote. objection to the request of the gen- the four available options that they tleman from Washington? have regarding our status—the current 1811 b There was no objection. status of the territory, statehood, inde- So the amendment was rejected. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- pendence, and free association. The result of the vote was announced tleman is recognized for 5 minutes. The people of Puerto Rico have not as above recorded. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. yet expressed by a majority that they Stated against: Speaker, as the House considers the want to join the Union as a State. I Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chair, on rollcall 240, I was bill on Puerto Rico’s future, this mo- hope that it comes about, and when it away from the Capitol due to commitments in tion to recommit provides Members of comes about, Puerto Rico will comply my Congressional District. Had I been present, the House an opportunity to register with the Second Amendment in the I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ their views on questions of English as same way that all the other States The CHAIR. The question is on the an official language and on the impor- must comply with the Second Amend- committee amendment in the nature of tance of protecting Americans’ Second ment. a substitute, as amended. Amendment rights. The same goes for the English lan- The committee amendment in the guage. That shouldn’t be an issue. It 1815 nature of a substitute, as amended, was b shouldn’t be an issue now in Puerto agreed to. Mr. Speaker, two amendments were Rico, and it will not be an issue, if the The CHAIR. Under the rule, the Com- filed with the Rules Committee to di- time comes, when we become a State. mittee rises. rectly address the issues of the English Puerto Rico now has two official lan- Accordingly, the Committee rose; language and Second Amendment gun guages—English and Spanish. Ninety and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. rights. Both were blocked by the Dem- percent of our parents want their chil- WEINER) having assumed the chair, Mr. ocrat-controlled Rules Committee. dren to be fluent in English. We are SCHIFF, Chair of the Committee of the What that means, of course, is that proud of having English as a language, Whole House on the State of the Union, Members have no opportunity to de- and we want to improve it. In fact, I reported that that Committee, having bate this issue. Making an amendment have two bills pending before this Con- had under consideration the bill (H.R. in order does not guarantee, obviously, gress for that very purpose. 2499) to provide for a federally sanc- the outcome. Yet we are even denied So both issues are being unfairly tioned self-determination process for the opportunity of English as the offi- placed—at least that is what the mo- the people of Puerto Rico, pursuant to cial language and Second Amendment tion seeks—in the ballot that the peo- House Resolution 1305, he reported the rights. So this motion to recommit ple of Puerto Rico will be having in bill back to the House with an amend- simply combines these two issues in front of them. What the motion seeks ment adopted in the Committee of the the motion to recommit. Let me ex- is to somehow tell the people of Puerto Whole. plain specifically what the motion will Rico, You can have statehood, but just The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under do. English only and only if you comply the rule, the previous question is or- It will amend the description of with the Second Amendment. dered. ‘‘statehood,’’ which will appear on the I oppose this motion because it is un- The question is on the amendment. plebiscite ballot authorized under this timely, and it is premature. The day The amendment was agreed to. bill, to state: one, English will be the will come when we will debate these The SPEAKER pro tempore. The official language of the State, and all issues, but that day is not now. question is on the engrossment and official business will be conducted in I yield 1 minute to the majority lead- third reading of the bill. English; two, laws will be in place that er, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. The bill was ordered to be engrossed will ‘‘ensure residents have the Second HOYER). and read a third time, and was read the Amendment right to own, possess, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- third time. carry, use for self-defense, store assem- tleman may not yield blocks of time MOTION TO RECOMMIT bled at home, and transport for lawful and must remain on his feet. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. purposes, firearms and in any amount Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, how much Speaker, I have a motion to recommit ammunition, providing that such keep- time remains? at the desk. ing and bearing of firearms and ammu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the nition does not otherwise violate Fed- tleman from Puerto Rico has 2 minutes gentleman opposed to the bill? eral law.’’ and 40 seconds remaining.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:34 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29AP7.028 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H3058 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 2010 Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Dingell Kucinich Rodriguez Doggett Langevin Ros-Lehtinen for yielding, and I rise in opposition to ant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule XX, Doyle Larsen (WA) Rothman (NJ) this motion. this 15-minute vote on the motion to Edwards (MD) Larson (CT) Roybal-Allard I traveled throughout the Soviet recommit will be followed by 5-minute Edwards (TX) Lee (CA) Ruppersberger Union to captive nations with many of votes on passage, if ordered; and the Ellison Levin Rush Engel Lewis (GA) Ryan (OH) you, and I rose in those nations and motion to suspend the rules on H. Res. Eshoo Loebsack Salazar said to the leaders, You need to give 375. Etheridge Lofgren, Zoe Sa´ nchez, Linda your people self-determination. The vote was taken by electronic de- Farr Lowey T. Many of you have said the same Fattah Luja´ n Sanchez, Loretta vice, and there were—ayes 194, noes 198, Frank (MA) Lynch Sarbanes thing on this floor. You’ve said it not voting 38, as follows: Fudge Maffei Schakowsky about tyrant governments that have [Roll No. 241] Garamendi Maloney Schiff kept their peoples from practicing Gonzalez Markey (CO) Schock AYES—194 Gordon (TN) Markey (MA) Schrader their own religions, from speaking Grayson Matheson Schwartz Aderholt Foxx Miller, Gary their own languages, from adopting Green, Al Matsui Scott (GA) Adler (NJ) Franks (AZ) Minnick Grijalva McCarthy (NY) Scott (VA) their own laws. You have spoken out Akin Frelinghuysen Mitchell Gutierrez McCollum Serrano against it. They were foreign nations, Alexander Gallegly Moran (KS) Hall (NY) McDermott Sestak Altmire Garrett (NJ) and it was easy to do. But now we talk Murphy, Tim Halvorson McGovern Shea-Porter Arcuri Gerlach about Puerto Rico, a territory of the Myrick Hare Meek (FL) Sherman Austria Giffords Neugebauer Harman Michaud Sires United States of America. What Mr. Bachmann Gingrey (GA) Nye Hastings (FL) Miller (NC) Slaughter Bachus Gohmert PIERLUISI seeks to do, what his Gov- Olson Heinrich Miller, George Smith (WA) Barrow Goodlatte ernor wants to do, what two-thirds of Owens Herseth Sandlin Moore (KS) Snyder Bartlett Graves Paulsen Higgins Moore (WI) Spratt his legislature want to do—the senate Barton (TX) Griffith Pence Hill Moran (VA) Stark and the house—is to give them the op- Biggert Guthrie Perriello Himes Murphy (CT) Stupak Bilbray Hall (TX) portunity to exercise that self-deter- Peterson Hirono Murphy (NY) Sutton Bilirakis Harper mination. Petri Holt Murphy, Patrick Tanner Bishop (UT) Hastings (WA) Pitts Honda Nadler (NY) Taylor Now, on this floor, we have adopted Blackburn Heller Platts Hoyer Napolitano Thompson (CA) an amendment, for which many have Blunt Hensarling Poe (TX) Inslee Neal (MA) Thompson (MS) Boccieri Herger spoken, that we ought to give four al- Posey Israel Oberstar Tierney Boehner Holden Price (GA) Jackson (IL) Obey Tonko ternatives rather than three. We’ve Bonner Hunter Putnam Jackson Lee Olver Towns done that. There will now be four alter- Bono Mack Inglis Radanovich (TX) Ortiz Tsongas Boozman Issa natives for the people of Puerto Rico Rehberg Johnson (GA) Pallone Van Hollen Boren Jenkins on the second ballot. Let us now defeat Reichert Johnson, E. B. Pascrell Vela´ zquez Boustany Johnson (IL) Roe (TN) Kagen Pastor (AZ) Visclosky this amendment designed only to de- Brady (TX) Johnson, Sam Rogers (AL) Kaptur Payne Walz feat this bill. Bright Jones Rogers (KY) Kennedy Perlmutter Wasserman Broun (GA) Jordan (OH) Hawaii was not made to do this. As Rogers (MI) Kildee Peters Schultz Brown-Waite, Kanjorski the gentleman from Alaska, DON Rohrabacher Kilroy Polis (CO) Watson Ginny King (IA) Rooney Kind Pomeroy Watt YOUNG, will tell you and as he said on Buchanan King (NY) Roskam Kirkpatrick (AZ) Price (NC) Weiner Burgess Kingston the floor, Alaska was not made to do Royce Kissell Quigley Welch Burton (IN) Kirk this, and we did not ask that to occur Ryan (WI) Klein (FL) Rahall Woolsey Buyer Kline (MN) Scalise Kosmas Rangel Wu in any one of the captive nations to Calvert Lamborn Kratovil Richardson Young (AK) which we spoke. Ronald Reagan did not Camp Lance Schauer Campbell Latham Schmidt ask for that. Let us not ask for it. Let Sensenbrenner NOT VOTING—38 us give an honest up-or-down vote to Cantor LaTourette Capito Latta Sessions Barrett (SC) Filner Paul the people of Puerto Rico, who for 112 Carney Lee (NY) Shadegg Boucher Granger Pingree (ME) years have perceived themselves as a Carter Lewis (CA) Shimkus Boyd Green, Gene Reyes Shuster Brown (SC) Hinchey colony. Cassidy Lipinski Ross Castle LoBiondo Simpson Butterfield Hinojosa Shuler Now, there are some who want state- Chaffetz Lucas Skelton Castor (FL) Hodes Speier hood. There are some who want inde- Childers Luetkemeyer Smith (NE) Chandler Hoekstra Teague pendence and sovereign status. There Coble Lummis Smith (NJ) Clay Kilpatrick (MI) Wamp Cohen Linder Coffman (CO) Lungren, Daniel Smith (TX) Waters are some who want commonwealth. Souder Davis (AL) Meeks (NY) Cole E. Waxman There are, perhaps, some who want a Space DeGette Melancon Conaway Mack Wilson (OH) Stearns Delahunt Mollohan relationship with the United States Costello Manzullo Yarmuth somewhat like Australia has with Crenshaw Marchant Sullivan Fallin Nunes Terry Culberson Marshall ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Great Britain. As the gentleman from Davis (KY) McCarthy (CA) Thompson (PA) Puerto Rico said, do not diminish this Dent McCaul Thornberry The SPEAKER pro tempore (during principle, however, with the politics of Donnelly (IN) McClintock Tiahrt the vote). Members are reminded there the future. This will be debated when Dreier McCotter Tiberi are 2 minutes remaining in this vote. Driehaus McHenry Titus and if Puerto Rico asks for statehood. Duncan McIntyre Turner b 1839 Your Republican Governor asks for a Ehlers McKeon Upton vote for this bill and against this mo- Ellsworth McMahon Walden Mr. CANTOR changed his vote from Emerson McMorris Westmoreland ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ tion to recommit. I ask my party to do Flake Rodgers Whitfield the same. Give Puerto Rico its chance Fleming McNerney Wilson (SC) So the motion to recommit was re- today. Forbes Mica Wittman jected. The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Fortenberry Miller (FL) Wolf The result of the vote was announced has expired. Foster Miller (MI) Young (FL) as above recorded. Without objection, the previous ques- NOES—198 Stated against: tion is ordered on the motion to recom- Ackerman Braley (IA) Costa Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 241, I mit. Andrews Brown, Corrine Courtney was away from the Capitol due to commit- There was no objection. Baca Cao Crowley ments in my Congressional District. Had I Baird Capps Cuellar The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Baldwin Capuano Cummings been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ question is on the motion to recommit. Bean Cardoza Dahlkemper The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The question was taken; and the Becerra Carnahan Davis (CA) question is on the passage of the bill. Speaker pro tempore announced that Berkley Carson (IN) Davis (IL) Berman Chu Davis (TN) The question was taken; and the the noes appeared to have it. Berry Clarke DeFazio Speaker pro tempore announced that RECORDED VOTE Bishop (GA) Cleaver DeLauro the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Bishop (NY) Clyburn Deutch Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Blumenauer Connolly (VA) Diaz-Balart, L. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote. Boswell Conyers Diaz-Balart, M. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas A recorded vote was ordered. Brady (PA) Cooper Dicks and nays.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:43 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29AP7.117 H29APPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE April 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3059 The yeas and nays were ordered. Coble King (IA) Price (GA) PERSONAL EXPLANATION Conaway Kingston Quigley The vote was taken by electronic de- Cooper Kucinich Radanovich Mrs. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, vice, and there were—yeas 223, nays Costello Lamborn Rehberg I was unable to attend to several votes today. 169, answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting Courtney Lance Roe (TN) Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘nay’’ 37, as follows: Culberson Latham Rogers (AL) Davis (IL) LaTourette Rogers (KY) on the Motion to Recommit; ‘‘nay’’ on passage [Roll No. 242] Davis (KY) Latta Rogers (MI) of H.R. 2499. DeLauro Lee (NY) Rohrabacher f YEAS—223 Donnelly (IN) Lewis (CA) Rooney Ackerman Gonzalez Napolitano Dreier Lipinski Roskam ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Adler (NJ) Gordon (TN) Neal (MA) Duncan LoBiondo Ross Andrews Grayson Oberstar Ellison Lucas Royce PRO TEMPORE Arcuri Green, Al Obey Emerson Luetkemeyer Rush The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Baca Grijalva Olver Fleming Lummis Ryan (WI) Forbes Manzullo KOSMAS). The Chair will remind all per- Baird Hall (NY) Ortiz Scalise Fortenberry Marchant Baldwin Halvorson Owens Schmidt sons in the gallery that they are here Foxx Marshall Barrow Hare Pallone Sensenbrenner as guests of the House and that any Frank (MA) Matheson Bartlett Harman Pascrell Sessions Franks (AZ) McCaul manifestation of approval or dis- Becerra Hastings (FL) Pastor (AZ) Shadegg Gallegly McClintock approval of proceedings or other audi- Berkley Heinrich Payne Sherman Berman Hensarling Pence Garrett (NJ) McCotter ble conversation is in violation of the Gerlach McHenry Shimkus Biggert Herseth Sandlin Perlmutter Shuster rules of the House. Bishop (GA) Higgins Peters Giffords McIntyre Gingrey (GA) McKeon Simpson Bishop (NY) Hill Peterson Smith (NE) f Blackburn Himes Polis (CO) Gohmert McMahon Goodlatte McMorris Smith (NJ) VACATING ORDERING OF YEAS Blumenauer Hirono Pomeroy Smith (TX) Boccieri Holt Posey Graves Rodgers AND NAYS ON HOUSE RESOLU- Griffith Miller (FL) Souder Boswell Hoyer Price (NC) Space TION 375, SUPPORTING THE Brady (PA) Inslee Guthrie Miller (MI) Putnam Stearns Braley (IA) Israel Rahall Gutierrez Miller, Gary GOALS AND IDEALS OF WORK- Sullivan Brown, Corrine Issa Rangel Hall (TX) Minnick ERS’ MEMORIAL DAY Terry Brown-Waite, Jackson (IL) Reichert Harper Mitchell Thornberry Ginny Jackson Lee Richardson Hastings (WA) Moore (WI) Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I ask Tiahrt Buchanan (TX) Rodriguez Heller Moran (KS) unanimous consent that the ordering Tiberi Burton (IN) Johnson (GA) Ros-Lehtinen Herger Murphy (CT) Turner of the yeas and nays on the motion to Buyer Johnson, E. B. Rothman (NJ) Holden Myrick Upton suspend the rules and agree to House Campbell Kagen Roybal-Allard Honda Neugebauer Vela´ zquez Cantor Kaptur Ruppersberger Hunter Nye Resolution 375 be vacated, to the end Weiner Cao Kennedy Ryan (OH) Inglis Olson that the resolution be considered as Jenkins Paulsen Westmoreland Capps Kildee Salazar adopted in the form considered by the Capuano Kilroy Sa´ nchez, Linda Johnson (IL) Perriello Whitfield Cardoza Kind T. Johnson, Sam Petri Wilson (SC) House on Tuesday April 27, 2010. Carnahan King (NY) Sanchez, Loretta Jones Pitts Wittman The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Carson (IN) Kirk Sarbanes Jordan (OH) Platts Wolf Kanjorski Poe (TX) Young (FL) objection to the request of the gen- Castle Kirkpatrick (AZ) Schakowsky tleman from Maryland? Chu Kissell Schauer ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Clarke Kline (MN) Schiff There was no objection. Cleaver Kosmas Schock Slaughter Accordingly (two-thirds being in the Clyburn Kratovil Schrader NOT VOTING—37 affirmative) the rules were suspended Coffman (CO) Langevin Schwartz Cole Larsen (WA) Scott (GA) Barrett (SC) Granger Paul and the resolution, as amended, was Connolly (VA) Larson (CT) Scott (VA) Boucher Green, Gene Pingree (ME) agreed to. Conyers Lee (CA) Serrano Boyd Hinchey Reyes A motion to reconsider was laid on Costa Levin Sestak Brown (SC) Hinojosa Shuler the table. Crenshaw Lewis (GA) Shea-Porter Butterfield Hodes Speier Crowley Loebsack Sires Castor (FL) Hoekstra Teague f Cuellar Lofgren, Zoe Skelton Clay Kilpatrick (MI) Wamp Cummings Lowey Smith (WA) Cohen Klein (FL) Waters LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM ´ Davis (AL) Linder Dahlkemper Lujan Snyder Waxman Davis (CA) Lungren, Daniel Spratt DeGette Meeks (NY) (Mr. CANTOR asked and was given Wilson (OH) Davis (TN) E. Stark Delahunt Melancon Yarmuth permission to address the House for 1 DeFazio Lynch Stupak Fallin Mollohan minute.) Dent Mack Sutton Filner Nunes Deutch Maffei Tanner Mr. CANTOR. I yield to the gen- Diaz-Balart, L. Maloney Taylor b 1855 tleman from Maryland, the majority Diaz-Balart, M. Markey (CO) Thompson (CA) leader, for the purposes of announcing So the bill was passed. Dicks Markey (MA) Thompson (MS) next week’s schedule. Dingell Matsui Thompson (PA) The result of the vote was announced Mr. HOYER. I thank the Republican Doggett McCarthy (CA) Tierney as above recorded. Doyle McCarthy (NY) Titus whip for yielding. A motion to reconsider was laid on Driehaus McCollum Tonko I observe that our former colleague is Edwards (MD) McDermott Towns the table. on the floor, the Governor of Puerto Edwards (TX) McGovern Tsongas Stated for: Rico. Congratulations to him. Ehlers McNerney Van Hollen Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Ellsworth Meek (FL) Visclosky On Tuesday, the House will meet at on rollcall No. 242, final passage of H.R. Engel Mica Walden 12:30 p.m. for morning-hour debate and Eshoo Michaud Walz 2499, had I been present, I would have voted 2 p.m. for legislative business with Etheridge Miller (NC) Wasserman ‘‘yes.’’ Farr Miller, George Schultz votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. On Stated against: Fattah Moore (KS) Watson Wednesday and Thursday, the House Flake Moran (VA) Watt Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 242, I will meet at 10 a.m. for legislative Foster Murphy (NY) Welch was away from the Capitol due to commit- business. On Friday, no votes are ex- Frelinghuysen Murphy, Patrick Woolsey ments in my Congressional District. Had I Fudge Murphy, Tim Wu pected in the House. been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Garamendi Nadler (NY) Young (AK) We will consider several bills under NAYS—169 f suspension of the rules. The complete Aderholt Bilirakis Broun (GA) list of suspension bills will be an- Akin Bishop (UT) Burgess PERSONAL EXPLANATION nounced by the close of business to- Alexander Blunt Calvert Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to at- morrow. In addition, we will consider Altmire Boehner Camp Austria Bonner Capito tend votes this evening. Had I been present, H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Ret- Bachmann Bono Mack Carney my votes would have been as follows: rofit Act of 2010. Bachus Boozman Carter ‘‘Nay’’ on Vela´zquez (NY) Amendment in Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman. Barton (TX) Boren Cassidy the Nature of a Substitute; ‘‘yea’’ on the Mo- Madam Speaker, I noticed that my Bean Boustany Chaffetz Berry Brady (TX) Chandler tion to Recommit H.R. 2499; ‘‘yea’’ on H.R. friend the majority leader did not men- Bilbray Bright Childers 2499. tion the budget or the supplemental for

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