Stop using Vieques, Puerto Rico, for bombing & training
I applaud the action of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in ordering the Navy to temporarily cease using the Puerto Rican island of Vieques for combat training. Governor Calderon and I have been working together, and this is an important
first step in our continuing effort to permanently end the bombing in Vieques. My goal now is to turn this temporary suspension into a permanent ban. Fairness requires that we take this step to protect the people of Vieques. Governor Calderon and I will
continue our discussions with the White House and the Defense Department. Secretary Rumsfeld’s action signals there is hope, but we must keep pushing for a permanent end to the bombing -- and we will. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to
expedite the medical study of the impact of the bombing on the health of the people of Vieques. I want to thank President Bush and Secretary Rumsfeld for listening to our concerns and for listening to the people of Puerto Rico.
