In fact. they apparently have been able to develop a number of appropriate projects. The second provision in the House bill. $5 million for antipiracy activities. addresses a serious and continuing problem in the Gulf of Thailand and nearby waters. Pirates prey on Vietnamese refugees as they attempt to escape by sea toward freedom. Some authorities estimate that up to twothirds of the boat refugees have been brutally attacked by pirates. Further. these desperate people face the possibility of being adrift without food or water. as merchant seamen steam past them without stopping. We have a humanitarian obligation to try to assist. In sum. I believe the funds provided in the House appropriations bill for African refugee activities and for improvement of security in the Gulf of Thailand to combat piracy are fully justified and urgently needed. I hope that they will be looked on favorably by the Senate conferees. Thank you.
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refugee refugees