José E. Serrano: “for half a century our Nation has been committed to political freedom and self-determination around the world. In his…”

“for half a century our Nation has been committed to political freedom and self-determination around the world. In his special message to Congress on Puerto Rico on October 16, 1945, President Truman said, ``To this end I recommend that the Congress consider each of the proposals, and that legislation be enacted submitting various alternatives to the people of Puerto Rico. In that way, the Congress can ascertain what the people of the island themselves most desire for their political future.'' Since then, Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton all have supported self-determination for Puerto Rico. Moreover, both the Democratic and Republican Party platforms have supported self-determination by the people of Puerto Rico. But support is not enough. Therefore, I come before the House to remind Members that next week we will be taking up H.R. 856, a bill submitted by the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Don Young) and supported by yours truly and many Members on this side. In fact, it has bipartisan support. This bill would allow, for the first time ever, a federally-sponsored plebiscite in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico where people can choose to remain a Commonwealth, choose statehood, or choose independence or free association. What I think is most important as we look forward to this vote is to fully understand that unlike some opponents' comments, the bill does not commit this Congress to any one option.”