[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 10, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE PRESIDENT'S VETO OF THE WELFARE REFORM BILL

  Mr. LOTT. I want to say also in closing, Mr. President, that I, too, 
am very much concerned that the President vetoed the welfare reform 
package. After talking a great deal about how we were going to end 
welfare as we have known it, we have, in fact, not done it. He did veto 
the bill last night. There has been suggestions that there are major 
problems with this bill. But the Congress did add back some $10 billion 
from where the House position was to try to get a bill that the 
President could sign. It does have genuine reform.

  There is complaint in effect from the minority leader that we are 
giving States more authority. That has been one of our goals, to give 
more flexibility to the States. As a matter of fact, States have been 
getting waivers to have this flexibility.
  So we need to get work back into welfare. We need genuine welfare 
reform. The President has vetoed this bill. I think it is a big 
mistake. But I think it is incumbent upon Congress that we immediately 
get back together to try to come up with a welfare reform that in fact 
saves money, that does not spend more money, and that does retain the 
work requirements that we have been committed to throughout the year.
  I believe my time has expired. I yield the floor at this time, Mr. 
President.
  Mr. FORD addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The minority whip is recognized.

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