Speech #960105978

Mr. President. my second amendment would address the fact that the United States cannot respond to the needs of all 14 million refugees in the world today and the many millions who will be added in the future. The bill attempts to focus our resettlement assistance for refugees above the normal flow number on those refugees of special concern to the United States who will be in need of resettlement. Unfortunately. the concept "special concern" can have virtually any meaning and does not serve as an effective focusing device. My amendment would require that the United States have a "special responsibility" for those refugees who are admitted above the normal flow level. It means that the United States must have a special relationship with that group of refugees. This could include a close social. economic. cultural. or political association that is not shared with other groups of refugees. Even though "special responsibility" has a narrower meaning than "special concern." it is still flexible enough to allow the President. in consultation with Congress. a great deal of latitude in providing reasonable assistance for refugees. Since the United States is establishing a normal flow of 50.000 refugees per year. I believe that it is not unreasonable to reauire a "special responsibility" before exceeding it. Although this would be the first criteria to be met it would not automatically assure the admission of a particular group of refugees. The President would still be required to fully consult with Congress and nrovide ample justification for his decision to exceed the normal flow quota. I believe this amendment is acceptable to the manager of the bill.