Speech #960240518

I recognize that pressure probably was applied by the White House i:dividuals who carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That notwithstanding however. I think the Administrators decision to allow the Cuban refugees to be admitted is wrong. As Mr. ROBERTS has stated. most VA hospitals in Florida are operating with an average daily patient census higher than the national average. In addition. as has already been pointed out. thousands of veterans are establishing residences in the State of Florida every month. Given the patient demand. the admission of the Cuban refugees will adversely impact on some veterans seeking treatment at the Tampa facility. This. in my opinion. should never happen. I hope no veteran in need of treatment in the Tampa area will be denied such treatment because 13 beds are being occupied by Cuban refugees. VA officials in briefing us on the disposition of the Cuban patients yesterday were not prepared to tell us the length of their stay. We have been informed that there are no plans. as of now. to admit further patients. I hope that decision remains firm. Mr. Speaker. and I would urge the Administrator to move with dispatch in placing these refugees in nonVA facilities. There is no reason why this cannot be done since officials at HEW have led us to believe that we have an excess number of unneeded beds in the private sector. As a member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs.