Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I am pleased to join with Senator Jeff Bingaman, the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in introducing this Joint Resolution to urge the Fifth Constitutional Convention of the United States Virgin Islands to reconvene for the purpose of reconsidering and revising its proposed constitution. Let me first commend the delegates of the Virgin Islands Fifth Constitutional Convention for their hard work and efforts in drafting and putting forward this proposed constitution. Their commitment to resolving this issue and getting a constitution enacted for the people of the United States Virgin Islands should be applauded. The Chairman has clearly laid out the historical and legislative background of the United States' relationship with the U.S. Virgin Islands and the process for Congress to consider a proposed constitution. He has also explained the concerns and issues expressed by the Administration about some provisions in the proposed constitution and that under Public Law 94-584, the only options available to Congress are to approve, amend, or revise the constitution. Disapproval is not an option. Because time is short, Congress only has 60 legislative days to take action, it is unlikely we will be able to reach an agreement on the proposed changes before June 30, 2010, which is the end of the 60 legislative days. If Congress does not act before then, the proposed constitution will be deemed approved with no changes.…”