Washington witnessed a heartwarming display of public concern for a group of people that is in dire need of immediate and concentrated assistanceSoutheast Asias "boat people." Fifteen thousand persons gathered at the Lincoln Memorial and later marched to the White House to plead for the cause of these homeless and abandoned millions. What is most significant about their demonstration is that their voice has been heard. As their group was dispersing. the President crossed the White House lawn and promised to those that were still on hand that the United States would not forsake these refugees and that the Navy will begin to rescue Asian "boat people." Urgent steps must now be taken to bring an end to the suffering and loss of life. Aside from what this will mean to the refugees. this action has special importance for two reasons. First. it will be a signal to the International Conference on Refugees opening today in Geneva that the United States is prepared to assume a leadership role by harboring those who are in imminent danger. For the sake of all the Indochinese refugees. it is critically important that the leaders in Geneva suspend any differences or selfinterests and establish an international rescue policy. The Presidents decision is one that other nations must follow. Second. the Presidents statement comes at a time when the House is considering the foreign assistance bill. This bill sets assistance for Indochinese refugees at a level which is only half of the necessary amount. The $97 million in the bill will only be enough for 7.000 refugees per month to be resettled in this country. There is no money in the bill for the additional 7.000 refugees that the President has promised to allow into the United States each month. I hope my colleagues will recognize the genuine humanitarian need in this area and support an amendment that is to be offered by Congresswoman HOLTZMAN to set an assistance level to meet the needs of 14.000 refugees per month.
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Refugees refugees