Speech #970131077

Mr. Speaker. I have reserved this right to object for the purpose of making a few statements so that the House understands what will happen if we pass this resolution and understands what its Subcommittee on Immigration. Refugees. and International Law. has been doing. Lest anyone get the impression that this subcommittee. which I have the honor of chairing. has been somnolent during the crisis in Poland or any of the crises that have taken place recently. I would like to report that just today. in the office of the gentleman from New York . we met with the gentleman who now heads the State Department Office of Humanitarian Affairs and Human Rights. We discussed many matters. one of which was preeminent. and that is the situation in Poland and the situation which would face people who might have to return to Poland from the United States or any other nation. The gentleman from Kentucky had called the State Department yesterday to establish meetings scheduled for later this week with the gentleman who heads the refugee program in the State Department. Under the 1980 Refugee Act there is a process called consultation to handle refugee crises. The gentleman from kentucky had already engaged in that type of action which will have fruit later this week. To further establish the fact that this subcommittee has not been quiet recently. the gentleman from Kentucky was in Europe 2 weeks ago. including the camp at Traiskirchen where the Polish people are located now in Austria. to give myself background and a deeper understanding of this situation. I shall not object to this procedure today which takes this resolution away from the normal procedure which would call for it to have hearings and discussions in our committee. because of the nature of the moment. But I would like to yield at this time to the gentleman from New York to amplify on what I have said about what the Subcommittee on Immigration. Refugees. and International Law has been doing in regard to the problem. Mr. Speaker.