Conveying Submerged Lands to the Northern Mariana Islands

Floor Speech

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 670, ``To convey certain submerged lands to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in order to give that territory the same benefits in its submerged lands as Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa have in their submerged lands'' conveys to the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands submerged lands surrounding such Islands and extending three geographical miles outward from their coastlines.

The Act provides the American public, more specifically the occupants of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, with added ways to use and enjoy land surrounding their coastlines. It is in a spirit of encouraging the most beneficial use of natural resources that I support the idea of providing an expanded use of otherwise unused land to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is the responsibility of all Members of Congress to fulfill our moral obligation to promote harmony between Americans and their natural resources.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 670, to convey certain submerged lands to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in order to give that territory the same benefits in its submerged lands as Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa have in their submerged lands.

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