Kennedy on Passage of Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act

Statement

KENNEDY ON PASSAGE OF REFUGEE CRISIS IN IRAQ ACT

Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement in support of the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act, which was passed as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill.

"America has a strong obligation to keep faith with the Iraqis who have worked so bravely with us - and have often paid a terrible price for it. These brave men and women are Iraqi nationals who work alongside our military, who staff our Embassy, and who work with American firms and non-governmental organizations to support the diplomatic, military, political and economic reconstruction of Iraq.

Their support and loyalty have cost too many lives already. They have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their families and friends. Millions have been forced to flee their communities or even their country because of the danger.

The provisions in this conference report make clear that America has a fundamental obligation to assist Iraqis whose lives are in danger because of their close ties to our nation. I look forward to working with the Administration in the months ahead to implement this important humanitarian legislation."

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