Pete Domenici: “first, let me say that it is most appropriate that we take this action tonight during the second week of Hispanic…”

“first, let me say that it is most appropriate that we take this action tonight during the second week of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. It is quite appropriate, while we are honoring the contribution which Hispanic culture has made to our country, that we are now saying to one group of Hispanics who live on the island of Puerto Rico that we are willing to see you take a vote regarding whether or not you would choose to become the next State. Mr. President, this resolution affirms that the first step in any change of political status for the community of Puerto Rico rests with the people of that island. When they express that opinion in December-- December of this very year--then it will be up to Congress to take whatever steps are necessary to consider that decision. Let me say that there are a number of Senate heroes with reference to this Puerto Rico resolution. First, I must say that the individuals most likely to recall the difficulties of taking a vote and deciding whether to become a State are the citizens represented by those Senators whose States were last admitted, or close to being last admitted. So the hero tonight is Frank Murkowski of the great state of Alaska.”