Speech #930011745

I am unimpressed by the urging of fiscal responsibility as the motivating force behind the administrations decision to terminate the existing program because of budgetary curtailment. Especially is this true when earlier this same week this body passed the continuing appropriations billwhich contained $35 million on a loan or grant basis for the disaster victims of earthquake devastated Managua. Nicaragua. $20 million for a water treatment and prototype desalting plant in Israel. $81 million operating expenses to the Peace Corps. $145 million for assistance to Cuban refugees in the United States. and $50 million for assistance to refugees from the Soviet Union. With such overwhelmingly generous international programs to aid refugees around the world. American farmers are entitled to similar assistance in their time of need. I am well aware that one of the criticisms successfully used to underline the program. which had been passed by Congress to assist farmers. was the $5.000 forgiveness feature and the 1percent interest rate.