[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 8, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H2815-H2816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


ENDING POVERTY, CONTROLLING WELFARE ARE GOALS OF BLOCK GRANTS TO STATES

  (Mr. JONES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, during the past 30 years, the Government has 
tried solving the problems of the poor. The Government has invested 
over $5 trillion to create a better life for the needy while in 
reality, this outdated and bureaucratic-laden system has encouraged a 
destructive social behavior in recipients, including an ever increasing 
illegitimacy rate. Since 1965, the average household has spent $50,000 
 [[Page H2816]] in taxes to support this system and of the 5 million 
families who receive benefits only 20,000 people work.
  As members of Congress, we have the responsibility to end this cycle 
of dependency. The Republican proposal will do just that. We will merge 
four cash welfare programs into one block grant to the States, saving 
the taxpayer $5.6 billion. Under this block grant, States will gain 
greater responsibility in administering the program and more 
flexibility to be innovative in combating poverty and welfare.
  We will continue to create programs to restore the power of the 
States and to return the American dream to everyday people.

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