[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 54 (Thursday, March 23, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             THE SAFETY NET

  (Mrs. SEASTRAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. SEASTRAND. Mr. Speaker, the 104th Congress is not debating the 
fundamental restructuring of the failed welfare system. We have started 
one of the most important debates for the next generation. As a former 
elementary school teacher, I know and realize how important it is for 
the Congress to end the cycle of dependency and replace it with the 
dignity of work.
  Mr. Speaker, we are ending a welfare system that is not compassionate 
and replacing it with hope and opportunity. We are ending a failed 
system and encouraging personal responsibility. These are ambitious 
goals yet they are achievable goals.
  While we are making these changes to the welfare system, we also have 
to recognize that we will hit some rough spots. That is why our bill 
retains a Federal safety net called food stamps. This safety net 
insures that no American will go hungry while we change the system to 
bring opportunity and dignity. While we retain a safety net we also 
require personal responsibility in the form of work.
  I urge all to call President Clinton, 202-456-1414, and ask him why 
he is not joining us to change it.

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