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Recognizing the Marshall Islands

Date: July 6, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs Arts, Entertainment, and History


RECOGNIZING THE MARSHALL ISLANDS -- (House of Representatives - July 06, 2004)

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Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, throughout my tenure in Congress, I have worked closely with the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) on many issues arising in the Pacific region. The RMI has always been, and continues to be, a great ally of the United States and is dedicated to international peace and freedom. Therefore, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 410.

By the beginning of the 1900's, the RMI was annexed by Spain, Germany, and Japan. In 1934, the Allied invasion and occupation of the RMI began. In 1947, the RMI became one of six entities in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands established by the United Nations with the United States as the Trustee. Throughout all these years of being occupied, the people of RMI never lost their self-identity or hope for their own country. This hope grew in the decades after World War II as a local form of self-government was established. This led to the convening of a constitutional convention.

In 1979, the people of the RMI adopted a constitution and chose their form of government, a republic. With separation of powers and a Bill of Rights listing guaranteed rights, the RMI is based on the same principals and freedoms that the United States was founded on hundreds of years ago. Similar to our founding, it was the will of the people driving the process and making the decisions.

The RMI is now a sovereign nation. As a sovereign nation, the RMI has aligned itself closely with the U.S., particularly in a number of defense and strategic issues. Recently, we have renewed our mutually beneficial relationship by reauthorizing the Compact of Free Association. This has guaranteed that our alliance will continue for another 15 years.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and recognize the 25th anniversary of the adoption of RMI's constitution. Their commitment and dedication to peace and democracy should be commended.

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