[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 63 (Thursday, May 19, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS VITAL TO WELFARE REFORM

  (Mrs. ROUKEMA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, here is new evidence that we must address: 
The disgrace of deadbeat dads, and some moms, who can afford to, but do 
not pay child support is forcing mothers into endless, debasing legal 
battles just to get the support to which their children are legally and 
morally entitled. Many of these children are just one step from the 
welfare rolls. If we are serious about reforming our Nation's welfare 
system, we must get serious about child support enforcement reform.
  That is why I was pleased to hear the news this morning from the 
State of Maine. Maine has been successful in instituting common sense 
child support reforms that are working. Maine's law confirms that the 
reforms recently proposed by the National Commission on Child Support 
Enforcement and included in my Interstate Child Support Enforcement 
Act, H.R. 1600, do work. In Maine, parents who refuse to pay child 
support lose their drivers and professional licenses. In the 9 months 
since passage of the law, State officials have collected over $1 
million per month in overdue support.
  My legislation includes these same provisions and more. H.R. 1600 
requires all States to make it a crime to refuse to pay child support 
and, for the first time, would definitely allow States to serve child 
support orders on out-of-State parents. My bill would also enact bold 
new initiatives to establish paternity, in the hospital, at the time of 
birth. Finally, my bill would reduce paperwork, increase use of credit 
reporting and standardize and expand the role of the IRS.
  Mr. Speaker, Americans are demanding an end to welfare as we know it. 
The Maine reforms are proof that strict enforcement of child support 
orders is essential to welfare reform. When we institute them 
nationwide, they will work!

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