Speech #920188633

President. let me say about the conference report that it is a matter of very real regret to me that I must bring back to the Senate a conference report on H.R. 19072. the Foreign Assistance and Related Programs Appropriation bill. that bears but a slight resemblance to the bill enacted by the Senate on February 4. Considering the history of this years Foreign Assistance authorization and appropriation bills. it is procedurally possible but a strange twist of circumstances that produces a bill in conference that is well over $100 million above the bill that passed either House-$-185.976.000 more than the House passed bill and $112.902.000 over the Senate passed bill. To be more specific. the bill which we now have before us is-$150 million over the amount appropriated in the Senate bill for military assistance. $150 million over the amount appropriated in the Senate bill for supporting assistance. $50 million more for worldwide development assistanceThis. although an additional $280.2 million in repayments and carryovers are reappropriated in the bill but not reflected in the table of new obligational authority. $50 million less for humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh refugees. Less than $5.200.000 the Senate included for the Peace Corpsa bitter personal disappointment to me because the Congress was warned in advance that such a cut would necessitate the return of volunteers. Mr.