[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 13 (Thursday, February 10, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       WELFARE REFORM CANNOT WAIT

  (Mr. CASTLE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, how much longer will we have to wait for 
real welfare reform? Given the fact that it appears disagreements on 
welfare reform are relatively limited between Republicans, Democrats, 
and the administration, the time is ripe to make major improvements in 
our welfare system.
  In this regard, 162 Republicans have sponsored a welfare reform bill 
which includes provisions I think we all can agree on to a great 
degree. Strong paternity establishment, expansion of statutory 
flexibility of States for means-tested programs, a strong mandatory 
work program, time-limited benefits, though child support enforcement, 
and controlling welfare costs.
  With these provisions that we are all generally aligned on, combined 
with the earned income tax credit, we have an excellent chance to 
provide welfare recipients with expanded hope, responsibility, and 
opportunity to escape the welfare trap. Our Republican bill includes 
these incentives, and more, and does so at a $20 billion savings to the 
taxpayers over 5 years.
  But what is the hold-up if we are speaking the same language on 
welfare reform? We need to move forward now, and that is why I have 
introduced a bill that would create an ad hoc welfare reform committee, 
of limited duration and at no extra cost, that would facilitate an 
expedited welfare reform bill that welfare recipients need and 
taxpayers deserve.
  We have been, and continue to work with the Governors to hammer out 
our differences over our bill, which are fairly limited, and I urge my 
Democratic colleagues to join us. We are too close and in too much 
agreement on this issue to let this historic opportunity pass us by. 
Welfare reform cannot wait because America cannot wait.

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