SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SJM 8009

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY &

            ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FEBRUARY 26, 1993

Brief Description:  Supporting Guam in its quest for commonwealth status.

SPONSORS: Senators Bluechel, Snyder, Sellar, Skratek, M. Rasmussen, Erwin, Gaspard, Fraser, McDonald, Franklin, Winsley and Oke

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8009 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint memorial do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Deccio, Erwin, M. Rasmussen, and Williams.

Staff:  Midori Okazaki (786‑7444)

Hearing Dates: February 26, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Guam, acquired by the United States at the end of the Spanish-American War, is a self-governing organized unincorporated United States territory.   Commonwealth status would increase the degree of autonomy enjoyed by Guam.  Guam's citizens chose by plebiscite in 1976 the political status of commonwealth and ratified the draft Guam Commonwealth Act in 1987.  The Guam Commonwealth Act is expected to be reintroduced in Congress later this year.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature supports the efforts of Guam to achieve commonwealth status and petitions the President and Congress to recognize right to self-determination.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The language of the resolution is modified to reflect the fact that the Guam Commonwealth Act has not yet been introduced in the 103rd Congress, but will be introduced later this year.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Guam is one of the last possessions of the United States.  Its Pacific neighbors have successfully negotiated new political relationships with the United States which grant them greater autonomy.  Federal control has hindered the economic development of the island and makes the cost of living artificially high.  All 13 western states have signalled their intent to act on similar resolutions.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Senator Alan Bluechel