Speech #990050409

Im aware that some Members may be under the notion that continuing the targeted assistance funding will be nothing but an extension of yet another giveaway program by the Federal Government. This is not the case. however. In 1983. the Department of Health and Human Services authorized $81.5 million in targeted assistance after 90.000 refugees entered the United States. This year an estimated 70.000 refugees will enter the country. and H.R. 1452 has authorized $50 million for targeted assistance. The foremost objective of targeted assistance is to help refugees become economically selfsufficient and. in addition. help local health departments meet the costs of providing initial health care to these refugees. I cannot begin to stress the importance of early initial assistance in programs such as Job training that will encourage refugees to swiftly seek meaningful employment. while at the same time keeping them off welfare rolls. Money from the targeted assistance program also is used for education and daycare programs for the children of refugees. Mr. Chairman. I would like to remind my colleagues that 20 States currently receive targeted assistance. In addition. my own State of Florida has no general assistance program. In Palm Beach County alone. we must rely on targeted assistance to meet the needs of the 7.000 to 10.000 refugees who reside there. I am disturbed by opinions that targeted assistance has fulfilled its original purpose. Let me remind Members that it is Federal policy that has placed the burden of assisting refugees on State and local resources. If targeted assistance is cut. Florida will lose $26 million in aid to the refugees. The Federal Government still owes the State of Florida $150 million as a result of costs incurred during the Mariel boat lift. and that is a very conservative estimate because we will never be able to address all the socioeconomic effects on Florida. Why should Florida taxpayers be continuously burned for something they have no control over. In closing. let me say that I am encouraged by the assurances put forward by the Judiciary Committee that targeted assistance programs will continue to be reassessed in the future. But as long as our current immigration policy is maintained. the Federal Government must continue to assist States in resettlement and other responsibilities directed toward these refugees. I urge defeat of the amendment offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin. Mr.