Speech #960158652

This resolution follows the basic form and concept of similar continuing resolutions in prior years and it remains substantially with the House positions. One of the few changes from the House position adds funds to strengthen our trade operations. which have become so essential in view of the condition of the American dollar and the need for us to move into world commerce the fruits of our production. In addition to a slight change in the Federal Trade Commission language. which was approved by my colleagues on the subcommittee which handles that agency. we also have before us in this conference report $12 million added by the Senate to deal with the problem of education for the Indochinese refugees. which has become quite a financial burden for many States. There is a budget request from the administration for this item. and we have received letters to the effect that the funds were needed. Members of the conference on both the House and Senate sides recognized that there are thousands of these refugees. many of whom not only cannot speak the English language but are also illiterate in their own language. who have been taken into the schools in Oregon. California. and quite a number of other States. The committee went along with $12 million for the rest of the school year. which is the equivalent. in my opinion. of the $18 million which was the Senate estimate. We have also agreed to funds in connection with Public Law 480 to meet urgent refugee needs. which is consistent with our earlier commitment to restore these funds at the earliest opportunity. I would like to reiterate that the purpose of this continuing resolution is to keep the Government in business: To keep our hospitals in operation. to keep our schools operating. to keep our Defense Department going. and to keep our Federal employees in service to the public. We have agreed to a few exceptions to the original House version where absolutely necessary. as I have explained to the Members.