[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 94 (Friday, June 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1221-E1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           THE WELFARE SYSTEM

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 1995
  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, today President Clinton suggested that 
Republican welfare proposals would give States incentive to cut loose 
the poor in order to save money simply by throwing people off the 
welfare rolls. Frankly, nothing could be further from the truth and the 
Clinton administration knows it.
  The President has expressed skepticism of plans that give more 
authority to the States, yet the States have a proven track record on 
welfare reform and we should move the responsibility for welfare 
programs out of Washington and back to the States. The only examples of 
successful welfare reform have come at the State level, led by 
Republican Governors. Furthermore, as Governor of Arkansas, the 
President urged increased authority to the States.
  The President continues to defend a failed system that even most 
welfare recipients do not believe in. The current system has resulted 
in increased poverty, dependency, and violence. The poverty rate today 
is higher than it was when Lyndon Johnson launched the war on poverty 
in 1965, even though trillions [[Page E1222]] of dollars have been 
spent on welfare programs. Studies show that half of AFDC families 
remain on welfare for more than 10 years and many are stuck there for 
life. The current system has made work financially unfeasible in many 
States. Violence in our society has increased. Felonies per capita have 
tripled as have violent crime arrests for juveniles, while welfare 
spending has increased 800%.
  Mr. Speaker, the welfare system is a national disgrace. It is 
outrageous and arrogant for the President to tell America that 
Governors and State governments cannot be trusted. It is particularly 
incredulous since he has not presented a plan of his own and continues 
to leave the answer to many key questions purposely ambiguous.


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