There are a number of other more environmentally sound ways to recover taxpayer money and I urge my colleagues to avoid the exploilation of this important caribou calving grounds on Alaskas Arctic plain as we move forward to implement budgets today and In the futurs. Importantly. this budget provides for an ur.orecedented cleanup of brownfield sites at President Clintons initiative. Congress will also need to develop a comprehensive solution to the problems legal immigrants face under the 1996 welfare reform law. Although I am pleased that benefits to legal immigrants have been partially restored. this is not enough. especially In regard to refugees and asylees. The provisions addressing treatment of refugees and asylees are a quick fix to a much larger problem. Extending the eligibility period for refugees Irom 5 to 7 years is not an adequate approach. The only way to restore fairness back into the treatment of refugees and asylees is lot Congress and the administration to set In place permanent eligibility for such categories of in. dividuals. Anything less means that some will fall between the cracks and lose benefits and their chance to meet their needs. Overall. this budget agreement is a positive slap. the product of compromise. which Is necessary In todays political climate.
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