Mr. Speaker. reserving the right to object. I rise in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 11. legislation addressing the Soviet Unions severe restrictions on Jewish emigration. I commend the gentleman from Florida. the distinguished chairman of our House Foreign Affairs Committee [Mr. FASCELLI and. the gentleman from Michigan. [Mr. SILJANDERI for his extensive work in helping to focus attention on this issue. Emigration of Soviet Jewry has steadily dwindled from 51.000 in 1979 down to a mere trickle of 1.300 in 1983 and a projection of less than 1.000 for The Soviet Unions systematic and persistent policy of denying emigration rights to refuseniks and others who dare to speak out against the Soviets is a blatant violation of numerous human rights conventions. Such agreements. which express the need for all members of the international community to promote and respect basic human rights. include the Helsinki Final Act and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 quite correctly asserts that the "fulfillment by the Government of the Soviet Union of its obligations with respect to internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union." The legislation also urges the President or his representatives to raise the emigration issue at every appropriate opportunity U.S. officials meet with representatives of the Soviet Union. I am pleased that we are joined in support of this measure by the distinguished ranking minority member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. the gentleman from Michigan [Mr.
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