[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 8, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H2815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


THROUGH WELFARE REFORM AMERICANS WILL BE AGAIN EMPOWERED, NOT ENTITLED, 
             TO LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

  (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, when my grandfather, Michael, came from 
Italy to America over 90 years ago, he came because of a promise. It 
was the promise that sets the United States apart from every other 
nation in the world.
  That promise is the American dream: the deal that if you are willing 
to sacrifice and live by the rules set out by the world's greatest 
democracy, then you are empowered, not entitled, to follow a life of 
liberty and a pursuit of happiness that only America can offer.
  When I came to Congress, I came because of that promise. I told my 
constituents I would protect that dream that our forefathers created, 
nurtured, and cherished.
  Mr. Speaker, after 2 months on the job, I can say with great 
satisfaction that we are indeed restoring that sacred promise. Our 
efforts to date protect in our society what was so dear to my 
grandfather and all of our ancestors: a sense of opportunity, 
responsibility, and accountability that truly distinguishes these 
United States of America.

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