The bill provides $968 million for embassy security. which is $190 million above the fiscal year 2007 level. There are several other important provisions in the State and Foreign Operations portion of this omnibus bill. One would make long overdue reforms to current law by allowing thousands of persecuted refugees. barred because they were members of armed groups that were allied with the U.S.. or who were forced to offer food. shelter or other services to terrorist groups. to seek asylum here. This change was worked out by myself and Senator KYL. and would provide relief to such Vietnamera allies as the Hmong tribesman of Laos and the Montagnards of Vietnam. and for child soldiers and others who were forced against their will to provide support to terrorist groups. These people were there for us when we needed them. and we should not turn our backs when they need the safety of our shores. It is an affront to our values and to our reputation as a safe haven for victims of persecution. The changes we are making will also provide relief for Iraqi refugees. some of whom have been barred for paying ransom to secure the release of a family member who was kidnapped by insurgents. This change will not raise the number of refugees admitted to the United States. but it will bring our laws back in line with our values. This bill contains other provisions. some proposed by Democrats. some by Republicans. which make important improvements in our foreign assistance programs. We provide $300 million for safe drinking water and sanitation programs. consistent with the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act.
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seek asylum refugees