Speech #970191205

Chairman. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me commend him for his leadership in getting Congress to think carefully about the cost of refugee programs. I want to thank the gentleman for his willingness to forego offering his amendments. The bill before us is openended as to one phase of refugee resettlement costs. namely. cash and medical costs. The bill is specific as to the sums for health screening and social services. Such an approach provides flexibility while at the same time underscoring the importance of health screening and social services. I think the gentleman and I. who sit as two of the four consultative Members of Congress on the refugee admissions process. know that we do not know at this point what the refugee situation will be for fiscal year 1983. We will not know until the gentleman and others and I consult with the administration with respect to 1983. and without knowing the numbers it is very hard to predict the proper level of funding. All States certainly have got to have the comfort and the security of knowing that if more refugees enter for one reason or another. that they are going to receive the proper level of Federal support. I thank the gentleman for withholding his amendment to provide for less than full Federal support. I do believe that the Federal Government has a responsibility to pay the full measure of refugee costs for 36 months. As the gentleman knows. we secured from the administration statements indicating that it is current policy to reimburse States at the 100percent level. I believe the House. had it been posed with the question of accepting the amendment the gentleman was considering to offer. would have elected 100 percent reimbursement because full reimbursement represents. in my view. a more appropriate supporting connection between the Federal Government and State and local governments on the problem of reimbursement costs. Again I thank the gentleman for his leadership on the committee. I look forward to working with him in the consultation role which will establish the refugee program for next year. The gentlemans leadership has certainly been appreciated.