Dick Lugar: “I will make just a brief statement of support for the amendment of the Senator from Kansas. He is a dedicated member of…”

“I will make just a brief statement of support for the amendment of the Senator from Kansas. He is a dedicated member of our committee, has traveled to Korea as he mentioned in his statement, as well as other parts of Asia that are relevant to this amendment. Some suggest the legislation is not necessary, that the legal right to citizenship North Koreans may have in South Korea would not necessarily bar them from eligibility of refugee or asylum status under the Immigration and Nationality Act. However, with enactment of this legislation, certainty is provided on this issue. I believe we must do more. It is imperative that we continue to press China toward better treatment of North Korean refugees and support efforts by the administration in providing greater emphasis on supporting nongovernmental organizations assisting North Korean refugees. Both managers of the bill, Senator Biden and I, are prepared to accept the amendment.”