Speech #970188398

Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 499 is a straight open rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 5879. the Refugee Assistance Amendments of 1982. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate. It also provides for the consideration of the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute as an original bill for purposes of amendment. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill one motion to recommit with or without instructions would be in order. Mr. Speaker. the primary purpose of this bill is to extend for 1 year. fiscal year 1983. the funding authority under the Refugee Act of 1980 for domestic refugee resettlement programs. $100 million is authorized for refugee social services. $14 million for health screening and initial treatment and such sums as may be necessary for domestic refugee resettlement assistance. The funds are used to reimburse the State and local governments for cash and medical costs incurred on behalf of refugees and to finance refugee resettlement programs in the various States. Mr. Speaker. the administration had requested a 3year extension of the authority under this act. but the Committee on the Judiciary decided that various issues relating to refugees need closer scrutiny. The committee has stated its intention to conduct oversight hearings during the coming year on the process of admitting refugees. the role of voluntary agencies in resettling refugees. the question of "who is a refugee" and the inequitable treatment and incarceration of Haitian. and Salvadoran refugees. It is particularly distressing to me. Mr. Speaker. that hundreds of refugees remain incarcerated in concentrationcamptype facilities. Mr. Speaker. this bill deals with an urgent and serious problem facing our communities. After many months in this country. some 70 percent of the refugee population is receiving some sort of cash or other welfare assistance. I am acutely aware of the severe dislocations and disruptions in the local communities especially with regard to refugees in south Florida and southern California. The bill requires closer coordination and consultation between the State and local welfare agencies. the volunteer organizations and the Federal Government on refugee resettlement decisions. When refugees arrive in this country. State and local health agencies are often forced to absorb the entire costs of treating medical problems. This bill authorizes reimbursement to States for 100 percent of the cash and medical assistance provided to any refugee during the individuals first 36 months in the United States. Mr. Speaker. this is an essential humanitarian program but the impact on the States and local communities can be devastating and the Federal Government must be willing to meet its financial obligations to assist the States in caring for the refugees. The decision to admit refugees is a Federal decision and a Federal responsibility. This bill will significantly aid in relieving the burden on the States and the local communities and providing better assistance to refugees. I urge adoption of House Resolution 499 so that we may proceed to the consideration of this important legislation. H.R. 5879 the Refugee Assistance Amendment of 1982.