[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 22, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         LOSING WAR ON POVERTY

  (Mr. JONES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, we have spent more than $5 trillion to fight 
the war on poverty, the most expensive war America has ever fought 
which we are losing. The current system traps individuals in a cycle of 
dependency and no hope for the future.
  Nearly 65 percent of the people on welfare at any given time will 
receive benefits for 8 years or longer. The amount we spend in 1 year 
on welfare is roughly 3 times the amount needed to raise the incomes of 
all poor Americans above the poverty threshold.
  The misuse of the taxpayer's money must end. As elected officials, we 
have the responsibility to create a better and more efficient system 
which in turn offers a temporary helping hand to individuals. Our 
proposal is based on the dignity of work and the strength of the family 
which moves solutions closer to home and offers hope for the future.
  Let us work together to pass a bill that offers an opportunity to a 
bright and productive future instead of one of dependency.


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