Speech #1020108593

Mr. President. I am deeply concerned about the need to strengthen our Governments ability to coordinate our refugee programs. I believe that the President. at a minimum. should shift the office of the U.S. Coordinator for Refugee Affairs to the Executive Office of the President. This would free it from being a creature of the Department of State and eliminate its redundant diplomatic responsibilities. This was the original intent of the HouseSenate conferees on the Refugee Act in 1980. which statutorily created the office. This is a matter which I will continue to review with my colleagues as this legislation is considered by the Senate. Fifth. the legislation provides States and localities with greater flexibility in determining how Federal funds may be used. as long as they can accomplish the goal of helping refugees toward early selfsufficiency. Sixth. in recognition of the increasingly important role that Federal innovation plays in times of reduced resources. we elevate the Office of Refugee Resettlement in the office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill establishes the office as a new Administration on Refugee and Migration Affairs. much like was done recently by Congress on behalf of the Administration on Aging. Finally. in order to enhance our countrys response to refugees at risk. this bill authorizes consular officers to make refugee determinations where U.S. immigration officials are not readily available. Currently. refugees in remote regions often must wait months for INS officers to arrive to adjudicate their refugee claim. Mr. President. we take great pride in the accomplishments of our refugee program. Over the past decade. over 1 million refugees have been rescued from persecution. and assisted in starting anew in America. This accomplishment is a great tribute to the many committed individuals in Government and in the voluntary agencies and refugee selfhelp organizations over many years. And this legislation compliments their many achievements. and puts the refugee program on even more solid footing as we enter the next decade. Mr. President.