Speech #990050363

Of the $21 million in fiscal year 1984 targeted assistance funds allocated to Florida. $3 million has still not been released by ORR. The programs funded through targeted assistance cannot obligate money that has not been received and therefore must be discontinued. The lack of funds is forcing mental health clinics in Dade and Broward Counties in south Florida to shut down programs that treat hundreds of troubled Mariel and Haitian refugees. Health officials predict an increase in criminal activities by refugees who formerly would have received treatment in institutionlike halfway houses and now have nowhere to go. The issue of differing interpretations among Congress. ORR. and the States stems in part from the lack of reauthorization of the Refugee Actauthorization expired in September 1983. In the 98th Congress. the reauthorization bill which passed the House contained a specific authorization of $50 million for targeted assistance. but. unfortunately. the reauthorization was not accomplished in the 98th Congress. This year. the House bill.