Speech #920175939

Congressmen BINGHAM and HALPERN are also seeking the widest possible cosponsorship in the House. Second. we are suggesting as the most appropriate level of assistance to Israel a sum of $85 million. We are well aware that the financial burden on Israel for resettling these new immigrants will amount to several times this figure. If the current rate of immigration from the Soviet Union continues next year and into the future. we would most certainly want to consider additional assistance. For the moment. however. we believe that $85 million is an appropriate and realistic initial commitment. Third. we believe that the most appropriate vehicle for such assistance is the Department of State which has been designated by the President as the administering authority for our refugee assistance programs abroad. We note with satisfaction that the State Department is already providing some funds. albeit at a very modest level. for maintenance costs in Vienna for Soviet Jewish refugees in transit to Israel. We applaud this effort. and we hope that in this same spirit the administration will provide substantially more funds in the State Department budget for resettlement costs in Israela much larger financial commitment. to be sure. but one which we believe to be amply justified. The administration has already indicated that aid to Israel should not be a political issue this year. It is all the more appropriate that humanitarian assistance of this kind should be taken completely out of the political arena. We hope. therefore. that the legislation we are proposing today will receive the broadest possible support in Congress and in the administration. The burden on Israel and on the refugees is already enormous. We must not delay in actingand in acting generously. Mr.