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NO. 179

we will continue in our traditional humanitarian spirit to

provide for the needs of refugees around the world.

1

I began today by reflecting on the accomplishments of our

refugee programs over the past six years, accomplishments made

possible only by the generosity and commitment of the American

people through their elected representatives in Congress.

I urge you to support the President's recommended refugee

admissions ceiling which I have presented here today. At the

same time, I must remind you that a generous refugee admissions

ceiling is nothing but numbers on a piece of paper without the

money to fund the programs that these numbers represent. And

so in closing I ask for your support not only of the proposed

ceiling, but also the President's budget request for the

refugee program, so that together we are able to continue this

great, national humanitarian endeavor.

Thank you.

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