In This Section...

	Del. Christensen [D-VI]: Mr. Speaker, the majority has already explained the purpose of H.R. 606, which was introduced by my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey). ...
	Rep. Woolsey [D-CA6]: Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 606, out of order. I was working patiently at my desk. I flew in on the red eye so that I could talk about Angel Island and how...
	Rep. Pelosi [D-CA8]: Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 606, the Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act. For 30 years, between 1910 to 1940,...
	Rep. Souder [R-IN3]: Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 606, the Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act. Historic preservation is the key to...
	Rep. Honda [D-CA15]: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4469, the Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act. I would like to recognize my colleague...

Record Text

Rep. George Radanovich [R-CA19]: Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 606) to authorize appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for the restoration of the Angel Island Immigration Station in the State of California.

The Clerk read as follows:

Chair: Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) each will control 20 minutes.

Rep. George Radanovich [R-CA19]: Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 606, introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey), would authorize an appropriation up to $15 million to the Secretary of the Interior for the restoration of the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay.

The funds would be used in coordination with the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The bill would also require funds appropriated by the Act to be used first for restoration of the Immigration Station Hospital on the island. Finally, the bill limits the Federal funding to 50 percent of the total funds from all the sources spent to restore the immigration station.

I urge adoption of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Del. Donna Christensen [D-VI]: Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Del. Donna Christensen [D-VI]: Mr. Speaker, the majority has already explained the purpose of H.R. 606, which was introduced by my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Angel Island is a nationally significant resource, as evidenced by its previous designation as a national historic landmark. Angel Island tells an important historical story about immigration into the western United States; how entry was offered to some, but denied to others under the discriminatory practices of that day.

The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) is to be commended for her leadership on H.R. 606. She has a bipartisan coalition of support for her initiative, including California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Many individuals and organizations have come to recognize the importance of a Federal-State-private partnership in the preservation and interpretation of this important aspect of our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, we support H.R. 606 as a means to help preserve the rich history of the Angel Island Immigration Station and urge its adoption by the House today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she might consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Rep. Lynn Woolsey [D-CA6]: Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 606, out of order. I was working patiently at my desk. I flew in on the red eye so that I could talk about Angel Island and how wonderful it is. And I want to thank the ranking members of this committee for making this possible for me, and allowing the consideration of a piece of legislation that is very important to my district, the San Francisco Bay area, and to Asian Americans throughout the United States.

As you know, I have worked for the past 3 years with the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation and the gentlewoman from California (Leader Pelosi) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder) in an effort to preserve the historic Angel Island Immigration Station. It is located just east of Sausalito in the San Francisco Bay. Sausalito is in my district, California's 6th Congressional District.

This landmark is a particular high priority because of what it means to Asian Americans nationwide. Many of you are familiar, all of us are familiar with the symbolism of Ellis Island to European Americans. The same feelings of legacy and pride can be equated to the Americans of Asian heritage on the west coast. In fact, Angel Island was the first American soil most Asian immigrants stepped on.

With over one million people having been processed through the sites, millions of Asians and Asian descendents nationwide are eager to see their roots in this country honored in the same way that we honor Ellis Island.

In addition, Angel Island Immigration Station also houses a unique literary display of Asian American culture. The walls of the main building hold layers of poetry reflecting the record of hardship endured and the indignity suffered by the early Chinese as they were being processed into America. If these walls crumble, we will lose this one-of-a-kind documentation forever. And thank you for voting not to let that happen.

Because of its rich history, the site is currently used as a teaching tool for students and a museum for visitors. Hundreds of school children and researchers have made the trip by ferry out to the site each year to learn about its rich history.

Mr. Speaker, I have worked with the foundation to find additional sources of funding for the restoration project to ensure future generations can learn from the site. The current estimate to complete the preservation is over $30 million, $16 million already raised through Federal grants, State funding, and private donations; $15 million still remains to finish the project.

With no more grants available and the State of California contributing close to half of the funding, it is important that the Federal Government become a part of this preservation effort, and that is what we are doing today. And I thank you for making that happen in the House.

Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank Chairman POMBO, Ranking Member RAHALL and the House Leadership for allowing us to consider this piece of legislation that is important to my district and the San Francisco Bay Area.

As you may know, I have worked for the past 3 years with the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation and Leader PELOSI and Congressman MARK SOUDER in an effort to preserve the historic Angel Island Immigration Station, located just east of Sausalito in the San Francisco Bay.

This landmark is a particularly high priority because of what it means to Asian Americans nationwide. Many of you are familiar with the symbolism of Ellis Island to European Americans. The same feelings of legacy and pride can be equated to the Americans of Asian heritage on the west coast. In fact, Angel Island was the first American soil most Asian immigrants stepped on.

With over one million people having been processed through this site, millions of Asian descendants nationwide are eager to see their roots in this country honored in the same way we honor Ellis Island.

In addition, Angel Island Immigration Station also houses a unique literary display of Asian American culture. The walls of the main building hold layers of poetry reflecting the record of hardship endured and the indignity suffered by the early Chinese as they were being processed into America. If these walls crumble, we will lose this "one-of-a-kind" documentation forever.

Because of its rich history, the site is currently used as a teaching tool for students and a museum for visitors. Hundreds of school children and researchers make the trip by ferry out to the site each year to learn about its rich history.

Mr. Speaker, I have worked with the Foundation to find additional sources of funding for the restoration project to ensure future generations can learn from this site. The current estimate to complete the preservation is over $30 million. With $16 million already raised through Federal grants, State funding and private donations, $15 million is still needed.

With no grants available, and the State of California contributing close to half of the funding, it is important that the Federal Government become a part of this preservation effort. That is what we are doing today.

Del. Donna Christensen [D-VI]: Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi [D-CA8]: Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 606, the Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act.

For 30 years, between 1910 to 1940, Angel Island served as the first point of entry into our country for immigrants from around the world hopeful for the promise of America. While the history of Ellis Island, which served as a processing center for immigrants coming in from across the Atlantic, is well known, the story of Angel Island is one that is often lost between the pages of our nation's history.

While it was open, 1 million immigrants were processed on Angel Island, including immigrants from Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Central and South America. It would be the first, and sometimes only, American soil that many of these people, who hoped to call this country their home, would walk upon.

Among these stories are the unforgettable voices of more than 170,000 Chinese immigrants, who sacrificed everything to come to what they referred to as the "Gold Mountain," a land of unparalleled freedom and opportunity. While many found new life, others encountered discrimination, disappointment, and sometimes, despair.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prevented many Chinese from entering the United States. Those allowed to enter were held in detention on Angel Island. Segregated and separated into barracks, the detainees faced stark living conditions, humiliating medical examinations, and grueling interrogations, while their detentions dragged on from days to months, and even years. All this while they awaited a decision on whether they would be permitted to enter the United States or sent back to China. While the detainees would eventually leave the Island and the Immigration Station would later close, they would leave behind their powerful testaments, inscribed as poetry, on the walls that confined them.

Today, more than 100 of these poems are still visible, etched on the barrack walls. Together, they capture the fears, sadness, and longing felt by the immigrants. Despite the extreme hardships faced on Angel Island, many of these poems also reflect the timeless legacy of the hope that is shared by all who are drawn to and believe in our country.

In 1940, Angel Island Immigration Station was closed after a fire destroyed the administration building. The U.S. Army used the Island during World War II, departing when the war was over. Angel Island became incorporated as a part of the California State Park system in 1963.

Abandoned and neglected, the structures fell into various states of disrepair and were scheduled for demolition in 1970, when a park ranger rediscovered the poetry carved on the walls. Although the buildings were spared from being torn down, more resources are needed to restore this unique and significant landmark.

This legislation would authorize $15 million, to be matched by state and private funding, to restore the buildings at Angel Island Immigration Station, and ensure its preservation for future generations.

Understanding our past is key to our nation's success and strength, today and in the future. Preserving Angel Island ensures that the collective voices of past immigrants live on in the proud immigrant heritage we all share.

I urge my colleagues to support this significant piece of legislation.

Rep. Mark Souder [R-IN3]: Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 606, the Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act.

Historic preservation is the key to remembering our past. Without key places and artifacts from our history, it would be impossible to tell future generations of Americans how, when and where our country came to be what it is. Whenever a place or object is lost, a piece of history is gone forever. It is our duty to ensure that history is preserved.

The Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act aims to preserve part of our history. Known as the Ellis Island of the West, Angel Island was the primary entry point for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from the Pacific Rim, including Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Russia, and in particular, Asia. During Angel Island's years of operation (1910-1940), an estimated 175,000 Chinese immigrants were processed through Angel Island.

In 1940, Angel Island Immigration Station closed after a fire destroyed the Administration Building. Following the Army's departure from Angel Island, the structures fell into disrepair. Many were removed by the Army Corps of Engineers and California State Parks. Of the original Immigration Station structures, only the Detention Barracks, Hospital, Power House, Pump House and Mule Barn remain. Today, these structures are in various states of disrepair; hence the need for this legislation.

Without H.R. 606, the structures on Angel Island will fall further into decay. Many of the buildings are crumbling and leak; consequently, many poems written by the Chinese immigrants detained at Angel Island are in danger of being destroyed. State, private, and local entities have already contributed mightily to this project; sadly, they have not been able to complete the project. This bill will authorize $15 million in funding so that this unique aspect of our history can be preserved for future generations. Compared to the $156 million spent to restore Ellis Island, this restoration project is a bargain and of no less significance.

Millions of people journey to Ellis Island every year in order to see where their ancestors came ashore. This bill would allow descendents of Angel Island arrivals the same opportunity to visit the place where their ancestors' American Dreams started.

Although the status of Angel Island as part of the California State Parks system sets it apart from many other historic sites that receive federal funding, the importance of the site and its contribution to the United States makes its official designation irrelevant. Our nation's history must be preserved regardless of official status.

I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 606, the Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act. Keeping our immigration heritage in good repair is essential if the United States is to maintain its unique status as a beacon of democracy and opportunity.

Rep. Michael Honda [D-CA15]: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4469, the Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act.

I would like to recognize my colleague Representative LYNN WOOSLEY from California for her steadfast leadership in ensuring Angel Island Immigration Station is preserved and restored.

As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I support the federal authorization of $15 million for the preservation and restoration of Angel Island, where people from China, Japan, Russia, India, Korea, Australia, and the Philippines entered the United States to start a new life.

Angel Island Immigration Station is appropriately known as the "Ellis Island of the West." Located in the San Francisco Bay, Angel Island served as a processing and detainment center for one million immigrants between 1910 and 1940. Of those one million people, 175,000 were Chinese immigrants and 150,000 were Japanese immigrants.

For the 30 years that Angel Island was in existence, detainees experienced overcrowded facilities, humiliating medical examinations, intense interrogations, and countless days--even years--waiting until approval of their applications or deportation. Although conditions could be deplorable, Angel Island was an entry point to a better future for many immigrants.

In 1940, Angel Island Immigration Station's administration building was destroyed. In 1963, California State Parks assumed the role of stewardship of the site when Angel Island became a state park.

In the 1970's, the site was set for demolition until a park ranger discovered etched writings on the walls. Etched by detainees, the writings and drawings on the wall reflect the hardships and hopes of detainees during the uncertain period in which they awaited decisions on their immigration applications. The cultural and historical value of these etchings sparked efforts to save this site. In 1997 Angel Island Immigration Station became a National Historic Landmark.

More than 50,000 people continue to visit Angel Island Immigration Station yearly, but sadly, the history of Angel Island is often left out of classroom lectures. However, with greater federal support, we can restore the Island's historic buildings, preserve irreplaceable immigration records, and keep alive the stories and memories of those who were detained on the Island.

While preserving the Angel Island Immigration Station is important to Asian Pacific Americans, it should be a priority for all Americans. Just as Ellis Island is a critical part of our nation's history, Angel Island offers American's a richer and more comprehensive understanding of our history and the diversity we celebrate in this nation.

Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support H.R. 4469 and its authorization of $15 million to restore and preserve historic buildings at Angel Island Immigration Station. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation.

Rep. George Radanovich [R-CA19]: Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Del. Donna Christensen [D-VI]: Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Chair: The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 606.