Other provisions of my amendment would include requirements for due consultation with States and local governments and agencies who might be involved in relief projects and periodic progress reports to the Congress. Mr. President. if State and local governments are going to be called upon to participate in the refugee relief effort. then they must be given an opportunity to voice their feelings and opinions on the way the program is to be conducted. Clearly. the success or failure of the program depends ultimately upon a coherent policy based on close cooperation and consultation among officials at all levels of government. In conclusion. I believe that there will be difficult days ahead both for the refugees themselves and the American people who will have to bear the financial burden of their resettlement. But the American people have always met such challenges with a vigorous determination to make the best of a difficult situation. I am certain that this will be no different today. While every effort must be made to minimize the impact of this influx on economically hardhit areas. It is my sincere hope that the Indochinese who have been forced from their nations by threat of death will be accepted into the American community with all the hospitality and consideration shown so often in the past to other refugees. I encourage all of my colleagues to Join with Senator CRANSTON and myself in supporting this legislation. By Mr.
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