Speech #990081696

Local agencies were reluctant to use their funds for any unforseen contingency fearing they had no right to do so or would not be reimbursed. My amendment addresses the problem of funding. It sets up a fund of $35 million that can be drawn on in the event that the President declares an immigration emergency. It does not expand the Presidents powers to deal with such an emergency. It provides him with the financial resources to employ his existing authorities effectively and promptly. The lack of funding for the immigration emergency contingency plan is its fundamental deficiency. and until the problem of adequate funding is solved the plan amounts to little more than a hollow. timeconsuming exercise. Finally there Is one additional important point regarding my amendmentit will have no effect on the size of the Federal deficit. Because the use of this fund is contingent upon a Presidentially declared immigration emergency. it does not add one penny to budget outlays. As a result. there will be no effect on the budget deficit or the credit markets. The fact that this amendment does not cost any money does not minimize its importance. This type of a contingency fund would be a vital tool in responding to any future immigration emergencyit will cut down on the confusion. chaos. and reluctance to act that characterized the 1980 Mariel Boatlift. Mr. President. my amendment provides a reasonable and rational precaution against the kind of chaos that followed the Cuban boatliftor that might follow any other immigration emergency. This amendment is fair. and it is good policy. I urge my colleagues to give it their full support.