This is in addition to the $98 million that has already been expended in effecting the evacuation from Indochina. This $98 million represents funds that had already been appropriated for aid to Indochina. The committee recommendation of $405 million represents what we believe to be a more reasonable estimation of the costs that will be incurred in resettling the refugees. The administration has stated its intent to resettle the refugees in a manner in which no one region of the country receives a disproportionate number. To the extent that this is feasible. it is a correct operating procedure. However. certain factors. such as climatic conditions or the present distribution of Vietnamese and Cambodians living in the United States will probably mean that certain regions will receive a greater number of refugees than others. It is likely that some of the refugees may wish to return to their homeland once conditions have been normalized in Indochina. and they should be free to do so. The Congress has received assurances that no obstacles will be placed in their path. On the other hand. it would be unconscionable to force any refugees to return against their wishes. The McGovern amendment adopted today should meet this problem. In questioning Ambassador Brown when he appeared before our subcommittee I asked him about those refugees who may have sufficient money to support themselves. I was informed that the standard procedures will include a means test that will be given to all refugees to determine their financial ability to support themselves. Of course. those who do have the financial ability to support themselves will be required to do so. and the taxpayers will not have to extend their assistance. We do have some indication that some of the refugees may be selfsupporting. and we hope that such will be the case. The need to move immediately on this issue is evident. Therefore.
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refugees