I am somewhat encouraged that progress is being made in the negotiations to return President Aristide to Haiti. but peace will not return overnight to that tragic nation. We must provide some kind of temporary refuge. The personal stories the Guantanamo refugees have been telling the INS interviewers are chilling. There can be no question that a climate of fear and intimidation exists In Haiti. Murder. torture. and other forms of violence are directed at anyone who may be an Aristide supporter. While the primary purpose of the bill is to prevent the return of the Haitians in U.S. custody. I am pleased that it also provides funded refugee slots for 2.000 Haitians. It is important that those refugees who are eventually permitted to come to the United States do not become a burden on the local community. It has always been my position that the Federal Government must assume the financial responsibility for those it admits. Mr.
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