This is only a dent in the expected $620 million shortfall for this year. Our veterans deserve more. I would also like to take note of the inclusion of the $100 million appropriated for the benefit of refugees. Of this amount. $85 million is earmarked for Soviet religious minorities. such as Soviet Jews and Pentecostalists. The urgency of this request cannot be overstated. With our human rights policy now bearing fruit. the Iron Curtain that once was the Soviet Union has begun to part. The gates are opening for many. and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we provide for these refugees. Unfortunately. poor forecasting has led to a much greater influx of Soviet refugees than Initially expected for this year. This situation has been exacerbated by the lack of sufficient personnel to process applications. resulting in a backlog of approximately 10.000 applications in Rome and over 25.000 in Moscow. I might add. Mr. Chairman. that while this infusion of funds will shore up the State Departments refugee account. we are still lacking in adequate funds for domestic refugee assistance. a program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. This aspect of the refugee program must also be addressed as soon as possible. We must be consistent in our efforts to assure proper funding for refugee assistance. I urge our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to work with us in finding a viable funding solution for domestic refugee assistance. There are other worthwhile programs receiving supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 1989. including money for the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and for firefighting expenses that resulted from last summers forest fires.
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refugee refugees