The American people have watched this tragedy unfold In nearly daily media reports. They have responded through private contributions with typical American generosity. We continue to receive devastating reports about human suffering. especially in the northern areas of Ethiopia and in Southeastern Sudan where tens of thousands of refugees are streaming across from Ethiopia searching for food. One such report describes a mortality rate which "exceeds the worst days of the Kampuchean crisis or the World War II siege of Leningrad." The legislation Senator KENNEDY and I are introducing today Is significantly different from most of the approaches that have been suggested thus far to provide relief for the famine victims. Unfortunately. different quarters of Congress have gotten bogged down in arguing over what funding level is necessary. although all seem to agree with the basic premise that we should provide 50 percent of the emergency food needs. and. of course. contribute a fair share for other disaster assistance relief. This has. in some cases. resulted in partisan controversy which should have no place in this discussion. Therefore. Senator KENNEDY and I are recommending an indefinite appropriation for food. disaster assistance. and refugee assistance in order to focus on the need and the commitment. a commitment which is already being led by the Amerian people through their private contributions. The legislation also runs through fiscal year 1986 so that we can avoid the start and stop of considering additional supplementals for this crisis. In order to ensure congressional oversight. we have written into the legislation a 15day notification requirement so that Congress will have ample opportunity to review the use which is made of these funds and authority.
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refugee refugees