Fla. I know that the Finance Committee and its distinguished chairman did not intend this result. however. the effect of the limiting language concerning aliens which appears in the next to the last paragraph on page 466 of the committee report does just that. Florida has about 12.000 refugees from Communist Cuba within its borders who are either over 65 years of age. blind. or disabled. At my request. HEW has provided an estimate that the payments for these individuals are about $18 million per year. Mr. President. the Cuban refugee program is one of Federal responsibility and the State of Florida should not be required to bear the cost of that commitment alone. The categories of eligibility must. in all fairness. be amended to include these political refugees. It was the Federal Government that established. under four successive administrations. the policy of opening this countrys doors to refugees from Castros tyranny. This policy was formalized during the preceeding administration by President Johnsons personal actions and by international agreement. Moreover. under international protocols of general application. the United States has agreed to accord refugees staying in its territory equal treatment. If these amendments are not approved. the State of Florida. and Dade County will be forced to pay for programs which ought to be supported by the Federal Government. I am sure that this is not what the Members of this body want.
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