[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 26 (Thursday, February 9, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             BIPARTISAN APPROACH NEEDED FOR WELFARE REFORM

  (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, the key test of any welfare reform is how 
quickly and how effectively people on welfare move into work. The main 
objective must be not to penalize children but help put to work their 
custodial parent and hold both of their parents responsible for their 
welfare.
  According to press reports, Republicans are unveiling their welfare 
reform plan this morning. I have two major concerns, among others. One 
is that it appears that the Republican proposal will be strong on 
punishing children and will be weak on getting their parents into work.
  Washington, our responsibility is more than just doing this, punting, 
paying, and then praying.
  I favor State flexibility, but this must be within a new partnership 
with the States.
  A second concern I have is the lack of bipartisanship. The 
Republicans are making the same mistake as the Democrats did on health 
reform, going it alone. As we on the Human Resources Subcommittee begin 
to mark up the bill next week, I hope there will be a more bipartisan 
approach. Welfare reform deserves it.


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