[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 39 (Thursday, March 2, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H2491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ENDING WELFARE AS WE KNOW IT

  (Mr. MARTINI asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, Americans are a generous, caring people. We 
also are realistic and result oriented. We want our private and public 
generosity to raise ladders of opportunity for those who have fallen 
behind. We intend our efforts to serve as a hand-up, not simply a 
handout.
  It has been more than 50 years since the Federal welfare system was 
conceived. Today, Americans overwhelmingly agree it has been an 
expensive failure and, in many instances, has inflicted disastrous 
consequences on its recipients, and on our national well-being.
  Finally, Congress has accepted the wisdom of the people. And in the 
next few days, the new Republican majority will bring to the House a 
number of proposals that will end welfare as we know it.
  In its place, we will initiate an era of genuine human compassion, of 
opportunity, of personal responsibility and self-reliance and lifted 
hopes.
  That, Mr. Speaker, is our Contract With America.
  

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