Speech #960205022

In particular. I want to commend the distinguished gentlewoman from New York for her able leadership as chairperson of the conference. The conference report in my view successfully balances the foreign policy and domestic aspects of the U.S. refugee program. With respect to the U.S. foreign policy interests. the conference report retains the House version of the definition of "refugee." The House amendment specifically broadened the U.S. definition to bring it into line with the definition recognized by the United Nations. and included presidentially specified persons within their own country who are being persecuted or who fear persecution. The conference report also makes it clear that the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Department of Health and Human Services established in this legislation will carry out its function under the general policy guidance of the U.S. Coordinator for Refugee Affairs. who is an Ambassador at Large in the Department of State. This provision recognizes that the U.S. involvement in refugee activities is first and foremost a matter of foreign policy. .s Mr. Speaker. I believe the gentlemar e from Illinois should reconsider this. This does not open th4 11 door for a massive influx of refugees int( this country. e With respect to the domestic side o this issue. the conference report retain.Vr the best features of both versions of the g. legislation. and in cases where comprod mises were necessary the agreements - reached are fair and equitable to refut gees immigrating to the United Stateq and State and local governments. And it I is. I think. fair legislation as it is concerned with the American taxpayer. r Mr. Speaker. this legislation represents months of hard work which resulted in a much needed reform and reorganization of our procedures for admitting refugees into this country. Therefore. I urge adoption of the conference report.