HECKLER. following her return from the Azores. has indicated to me her interest in sponsoring legislation which would provide economic assistance in the reconstruction effort. My distinguished colleague from Rhode Island. Senator PELL. has also been working along these lines. and I wholeheartedly support their initiatives. Mr. President. we have a tradition in this country of providing asylum for those who suffer from natural disasters. In 1958. when volcanic eruptions struck the Azores. Congress quickly responded to humanitarian concerns in extending special visas. The present situation in the Azores is equally tragic and deserves our immediate attention. The people of Portugal and the Azores. in the past. have proved to be valuable. industrious citizens.