Speech #980066984

I submit America will have to hold its ears because of the close proximity of these. our friends. in Central America. My addition at that point would be also to emphasize what was shared with us not only by the economists. economic and political leaders. the Government leaders and military leaders. that the goal of the Communistbacked guerrilla effort which totals in the neighborhood of 1 to 1/2 percent of the electorate. 1 to I. percent of the population of El Salvador. their dedicated mission is complete totalitarian control of all of Central America. And the insights shared with us from both. as I say. the Government leaders as well as the military leaders is that 7 to 10 million refugees will seek their protection. will seek their security in the United States of America. And the purpose of our taking this special order tonight. and the purpose of our raising this issue in consciousness. to the important forefront of the American people is for them to understand precisely what is at stake in the years ahead. should we turn our back or ignore what is happening in Central America. If those 7 to 10 million refugees from throughout Central America are forced to seek survival in the United States. this impact of 20.000 to 50.000 Central Americans in each congressional district across this country will make such a tremendous overload on our schools. on our hospitals. on our social welfare services. on our housing assistance efforts. that every Member of this Congress will have great amounts of effort and time and consideration being given to how to cope with that problem in the years ahead. So. I say. as I may borrow from the gentleman from South Carolina. who so ably led our delegation. that America will have to face this issue now or face it later and I believe it is in the best interests of freedom that those who understand what is underway there. to begin to focus on this issue. to do what they know to be correct and know to be right and that is to face this issue now in the best interests of freedom. in the best interests of democracy and as well in the best interests of the Government of the United States.