[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 55 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E689-E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                               SSI REFORM

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                           HON. WAYNE ALLARD

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 24, 1995
  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, early this year, I introduced H.R. 791, 
legislation to eliminate supplemental security income [SSI] disability 
payments for drug addicts and alcoholics. This legislation currently 
has 48 cosponsors. I am pleased to note that this proposal has been 
incorporated into the Personal Responsibility Act--the Republican 
welfare reform plan.
  Over the years many of my constituents have complained about the fact 
that drug addiction and alcoholism are considered disabilities under 
Federal law. This classification entitles these individuals to hundreds 
of dollars of disability payments each month. Until last year, they 
were even entitled to large lump sum payments. In essence, hard working 
taxpayers are required to subsidize addicts. We all have compassion for 
people with a substance abuse problem, but giving cash benefits to 
addicts is not the way to deal with the problem. This approach does far 
more harm than good, often providing the very resources for addicts to 
continue their abuse and avoid treatment.
  A General Accounting Office study found that between 1988 and 1994 
the number of drug addicts and alcoholics receiving SSI disability 
payments rose almost 700 percent from 12,694 to 100,771. GAO expects a 
continued increase to over 200,000 by 1997 if nothing is done. This 
would be grossly unfair for the hard working Americans who pay the 
bills.
  Under the Personal Responsibility Act, drug addicts and alcoholics 
lose SSI payments and Medicaid. The total savings to taxpayers is $1.7 
billion over 5 years--$400 million of this is used to fund additional 
drug treatment and 
[[Page E690]] research. I am proud to support this reform. It is fair 
to taxpayers, and requires substance abusers to face up to their 
problems and get real help.


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