[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 55 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     REFORMING THE WELFARE PROGRAM

  (Mr. CHAMBLISS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, today is truly a historic day in the 
House as it is on the verge of doing what should have been done many 
years ago, reform a welfare program that does not work for the poorest 
Americans.
  The Republican welfare reform bill will cap benefits and allow States 
to decide for themselves how to prioritize their resources. Our bill 
tightens up enforcement provisions against deadbeat dads, encourages 
welfare recipients to work, and discourages illegitimacy.
  I have a message for the other side of the aisle and it is the same 
message the American people sent last November: The time has come to 
reassess the Federal Government's role in the lives of the American 
people. That means making the tough decisions and learning for the 
first time in Washington to say ``No.''
  Mr. Speaker, our position is clear: The new majority is passing its 
contract. Bills that matter to the American people. Meanwhile, the 
minority is reduced to scare-tactics aimed at children and the elderly.
  Mr. Speaker, the wheels are not coming off this contract, they are 
just beginning to turn.

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