Speech #1040067521

I do not use that language very often. I know that the intention of the gentleman from New Jersey is to be highly respected. and I respect it. too. but the results. the bloodshed. the tragedies that will result from this reversal of policy are just going to be extraordinary. If we make this change in the refugee program in Southeast Asia the blood is going to be on our hands for the additional boats of refugees that are going to be launched. This section of the bill and the Smith amendment completely devastates the UNHCRmultinational Comprehensive Plan for Action which is being implemented. Why is it that most of the refugee groups that have spoken out on the issue have spoken against the language in the bill and would speak. if they have not done so already. against the language offered by the gentleman from New Jersey as an amendment to my amendment? It is because they understand that what you are unleashing here by approving the Smith amendment is a tragedy. Mr. Chairman. we have heard many comments about forced repatriation. Of course no one is in favor of forced repatriation. We have accepted over 1 million Indochinese refugees into this country because we have a responsibility as our former allies to do so. We have done that generously. Now we have the UNHCR trying to get a reasonable hold on this economic refugee and boat people process. We have 47.000 refugees waiting there at this moment. which are categorized by the UNHCR as economic refugees. I want to see any Member stand up in front of their local VFW chapter and American Legion chapter and say. "We granted refugee status to economic refugees from North Vietnam. our former enemies." That is what I want to see you do. If you vote in favor of this amendment which guts my amendment offered for myself and for the gentleman from Wisconsin and for the gentleman from Texas . you are devastating the Comprehensive Plan for Action. What about UNHCR?