Speech #990131363

and the ranking minority member on both the committee and subcommittee. Mr. CONTE. for their continuing support for full funding of the Refugee Targeted Assistance Program. The continuing resolution provides $50 million for targeted assistance programs In fiscal year 1986. The continuing resolution also makes clear In its reference to the conference report to accompany the LaborHHS appropriations bill. that the $11.5 million in targeted assistance the Department of Health and Human Services was to release in fiscal year 1985. but has delayed until the current fiscal year. is not to be counted toward the $50 million in new targeted assistance budget authority. As a member of the subcommittee. and a Representative from Florida. I am well aware of the serious need for targeted assistance funding to relieve the burden placed upon the States by refugees fleeing to our Nation. Nowhere in our Nation has the problem been more acute than Florida. where the State and local governments are still struggling financially to meet the needs of refugees. Providing for refugees to our Nation Is a Federal responsibility. Im pleased that the continuing resolution as well as the LaborHHS approppropriations bill address this issue and recommend full funding for tar. geted assistance In fiscal year 1986 and that the States be fully reimbursed for those funds that were obligated but not released in fiscal year 1985.