Speech #870222809

Speaker. I want to compliment the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania. FRANcis WALTER. chairman of the Immigration Subcommittee of the House. for his tireless efforts to gain approval of the bill H.R. 8291. Both Houses adopted the conference report on this measure yesterday and the measure is on its way for the Presidents signature. There is hardly any one person in this country today more knowledgeable in immigration matters than TAD WALTERS. He introduced and. for the past 2 years. has worked on the provisions of this bill which is designed to improve the machinery for this countrys participation in international migration and resettlement programs. Included in the measure is statutory authority for the assistance program initiated by the President. in behalf of the thousands of Cuban refugees who have found asylum on our shores. As the Representative of the Fourth District of Florida where we have a concentration of these freedomloving people. I have had a natural interest in the development of an effective and sound program of assistance for them. All of the people of my community. both individually and collectively. have responded magnificently to the needs of these refugees. Realizing this is not an emergency. temporary situation. however. it was wisely determined that additional help would be needed and the Federal Government was quick to respond. Funds were furnished under the authority contained in the Mutual Security Act and this program of assistance has been conducted on this basis for the past 2 years. Chairman WALTER recognized the need for including in his bill permanent authorization for the operation of this program. Throughout the proceedings on this bill. he has been entirely cooperative and understanding of the plight of the Cuban refugees in our country. and of the need for responsive. effective Federal participation in this program of assistance. In behalf of the people of my community. I take advantage of the final passage of this legislation to commend Chairman WALTER for his unselfish interest and tireless efforts in support of this program.