The total cost over 3 years is estimated somewhere between $90 and $127 million. depending on whose figures one takes. The State Department task force has the low figures and the CBO has the high figures. An amendment which I offered in committee. which was accepted. will ensure that Federal funds received by a State or local school district on a statutory formula basis. under any other Federal program for the purpose of refugee educational assistance must be subtracted from the recipients entitlement under this bill. However. money received under discretionary grant programs for the same purposes would not be considered in the allocation formula. If the Federal Government does not accept its responsibility to pick up part of the cost of educating these children. then the financial burden of refugee education will rest with State and local governments. Since these children are entitled to an education under our laws. the costs to the American taxpayers will be the same regardless of which level of government is providing the funds. E] 1430