[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 109 (Friday, June 30, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S9596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             WELFARE DEBATE

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, there has been a great deal of speculation 
in recent days over the prospects for passage of a welfare reform bill. 
Before departing for the recess, I wanted the opportunity to set the 
record straight.
  Notwithstanding the efforts of some to drive us apart, Republicans 
are committed to truly ending welfare as we know it. We are not 
unmindful of the struggles faced by many in this country who need a 
hand up some time in their lives, or of children who through no fault 
of their own need the helping hand of the Government. But, Mr. 
President, we are also not convinced that the Federal Government holds 
all the answers to the very real problems these people face. In fact, 
the real story is that notwithstanding the billions of dollars that 
have been spent over the last decade, the welfare rolls have continued 
to grow and the number of children at risk has increased. We have all 
decried these problems and have responded by adding to the list of the 
things that the States must do. Well, the time has come to listen to 
the States for a change and give them a chance to devise some solutions 
that fit their needs.
  The issues that divide us are not insurmountable nor are they easily 
resolved. But the extraordinary thing is that the debate is not over 
whether we want block grants--it is how best to design them. Our 
differences are over how to distribute the funds and how much 
flexibility to give the States in the design of these programs.
  The funding issue is a real one and of critical importance to all 
States. There are States that will experience real population growth 
that are concerned they will be disadvantaged in this new block grant 
environment. There are also States that in the past have committed 
considerable State resources to the program that feel their past 
contributions should be acknowledged.
  No formula fight is ever easy, as every Senator knows. The House and 
Senate bills create loan funds--but this may not be the perfect answer. 
We will seek other options to balance the needs of all.
  The second group of issues is equally thorny. None of us is 
unconcerned about the dramatic increase in the numbers of teen 
pregnancies and the number of children born out-of-wedlock. These are 
serious issues--not easily addressed. Many of us believe the Governors 
of our States can and will deal with these problems, as many of them 
have tried to do. They want us out of the way--that is what they are 
asking us--not dictating solutions. Others believe that the issue can 
best be addressed here.
  I remain hopeful we can strike some middle ground and am working to 
that end.
  For at the end of the day, we cannot fail. We must not break faith 
with the American people who sent us a clear message last fall--end 
welfare as we know it once and for all, require real work, and make it 
a temporary helping hand, not a lifestyle.


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