The task ahead of us is indeed large and it will be an expensive undertaking. There is no way to mask that fact. I have supported limitations on Federal reimbursement for refugee costs because I feel that the States. including my State of California. should be under some constraint to seek affirmatively ways of helping the refugees to become selfsupporting. But the burden must not fall on a handful of States and counties exclusively. The Federal Government needs to do its share. One reason it should do its share is that it is national policy. not local governmental policies. that has led to the presence of the refugees in this country. My amendment helps to see to it that the Federal Government does indeed do its share. The Department of HEW has not given the refugee problem the priority attention needed if we are to avoid some very serious social problems ahead. As a member of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources. I intend to pursue this matter vigorously with the Department. I want to express my great appreciation to my fellow Californian. Senator HAYAKAWA. for his support of my amendment and for his unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of refugees. We have worked together consistently on the problems of Indochina refugees for the past 3 years. His collaboration has been most welcome. very effective. and I thank him for that. I again thank Senator KENNEDY and Senator THURMOND. and I urge the Senate to support our proposal.
Keywords matched
refugee refugees