Speech #900019095

As laudable as private efforts are and as much as they should be encouraged. our Government must also take responsibility. The burden is too large to be borne solely by private groups. In order to best execute that responsibility. a select committee of the House should be immediately established to thoroughly analyze the situation con.cerning civilian refugees and casualties in South Vietnam. This committee would advise the House as to the legislation or administrative action which is necessary to alleviate the suffering of the South Vietnamese civilians. Today 13 Members of the House. in a bipartisan effort. are introducing a bill to establish such a committee which shall report to the House within 4 months. Under this proposal the Select Committee on Civilian Casualties and Refugees in South Vietnam shall consist of nine members appointed from both parties by the Speaker. It will conduct an Investigation into such matters as: First. the number of civilian refugees in South Vietnam who are out of their usual place of abode and unable to return thereto because of military operations. Second. the number of civilian war casualties in South Vietnam resulting from military operations. and specifically the number of such war casualties under the age of 18 years. and Third. the adequacy of medical -care and facilities available to civilian war casualties in South Vietnam. The committee shall also consider the feasibility of special legislation or administrative action to accomplish the following: First. permit South Vietnamese civilian refugees and war casualties. partic ularly those under the age of 18 years. to enter the United States as permanent residents. Second.permit South Vietnamese war casualties to enter the United States for medical care or treatment. with the option of remaining as permanent residents. Third. facilitate adoption by U.S. citizens of South Vietnamese refugees and war casualties under the age of 18 years. and Fourth. provide for the construction of medical centers in the United States to provide extensive medical care and treatment of South Vietnamese civilian refugees and war casualties. particularly centers for the care and treatment of burns. Mr. Speaker.