I would like to commend the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. FASCELL. for his excellent work. and in particular for his work for poor people In Panama and Nicaragua and refugees overseas. I am aware of the immediate needs of tens of thousands of children in Panama and Nicaragua. and am pleased that this bill earmarks money to meet priority needs of the poorest people of Panama. In addition. the committee report states the committees support for Increased levels of development assistance through the child survival and health program to address the critical health care needs of children in both countries. I am confident that the Bush administration will not neglect the children of these countries as we work to help build strong. equitable. democratic societies in these two countries. I salute the committee for its efforts to help us meet the crisis in funding for refugees overseas. The Select Committee on Hunger had held a hearing on this issue. and I strongly endorse the committees report language May 22. 1.990 which describes the critical budget shortfalls faced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross. By increasing the authorized ceiling of the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. the committee has demonstrated its concern for the more than 15 million refugees around the world. many of whom flee their homes only to face continued hardships in refugee camps. Mr. Chairman. I believe the situation of these refugees and displaced people is intolerable. In addition to the positive measures contained in H.R. 4636. it is clear that the Congress and the administration must continue to devote greater resources to assist refugees overseas. I urge all Members to support this legislation.
Keywords matched
Refugees Refugee refugee refugees