Speech #930076990

But I think the Senator from Florida is quite correct in recognizing that so far too little planning has gone into an equitable phasing out program. I am hopeful that the Appropriations Committee will give it its consideration. I hope the Senator from Florida will assist us in trying to devise new directions that will not put an undue burden on the people of Florida. who have accepted so much responsibility. which is really a national responsibility. as President Johnson suggested in his statement welcoming additional refugees in 1965. Voluntary agencies have placed the Cuban refugees in other communities. and they have benefited from the program. as well. But the heaviest impact of the refugees has fallen on Florida. Great issues have to be resolved in trying to insure that the people who have escaped in many instances. and who have been permitted to leave in others. are going to find new opportunities for new homes in this country. I share the feeling of the Appropriations Committee that over a reasonable period of time we should be able to phase this program out. but for the immediate time. until the committee is able to give the problem the kind of consideration which it is so important to give to it.