[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             WELFARE REFORM

                                 ______


                            HON. TIM JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 1996

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, President 
Clinton delivered a speech which I believe significantly advances the 
national debate over reforming our welfare system.
  The President applauded and endorsed the general idea behind the 
welfare reform plans in the States of Wisconsin and Maryland. In doing 
so, the President has, in his own words, given ``us hope that we can 
break the vicious cycle of welfare dependency.''
  I'm heartened by this move and the clear evidence that the White 
House, Congress, and the States are finally coming together on the best 
possible way to take people off the national dole and put them to work 
at the same time strengthening families and protecting innocent 
children.
  Most of us agree that the Federal Government still has an 
indispensable role to play in the welfare system by setting guidelines 
that ensure able-bodied citizens work for their checks and that 
children are fed, clothed, and cared for while their parents are on the 
job.
  But most of us also agree that it makes good fiscal and common sense 
to give the States and their Governors greater flexibility and 
incentives to find the most effective and efficient local solutions to 
problems in the welfare system.
  I've long supported reforming our welfare system in a way that 
promotes work, protects children, and empowers States. That's why I'm 
so encouraged by the initiative of States like Maryland and Wisconsin 
and the President's approval of welfare system waivers for 38 States--
including one for my home State of South Dakota.
  States are demonstrating that we can move forward in reforming our 
welfare system without too heavy a hand from the Federal Government. 
Their ingenuity should be praised and their plan should be used as an 
example for all of us to finally come together and find a sensible, 
effective approach to taking care of our kids, putting people to work, 
and moving Americans out of poverty.
  If we put our children first and partisan politics aside, I believe 
we can do this.

                          ____________________