[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H7268-H7269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE CLINTON YEARS: NO END TO WELFARE AS WE KNOW IT

  (Mrs. KELLY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.
  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, Americans have spent more than $5 trillion 
trying to end poverty--but throwing more of our Nation's hard-earned 
tax dollars at the failed programs of the 1960's is not the answer.
  Remember in 1992, President Clinton campaigned on the promise to end 
welfare as we know it. Well, last year, when this Congress sent him a 
true welfare reform initiative, he vetoed it.
  Then, on May 18, the President reaffirmed his desire for reform, by 
endorsing the welfare initiatives proposed by Wisconsin Governor 
Thompson.
  In fact, President Clinton said, ``Welfare does not have to be a 
partisan issue. Wisconsin has the makings of a solid, bold plan, and we 
should get it done.''
  Well, this Congress, has gotten it done. The waivers that Wisconsin 
needs to implement its program have been sitting on the President's 
desk for weeks, waiting for his approval.
  Eighteen other States are also waiting for waivers to curb poverty in 
their communities. And according to HHS, they will wait at least 210 
days, just for the initial review.
  Mr. Speaker, the President has gotten one thing right about welfare 
reform--it shouldn't be about politics. This Congress believes it 
should be about giving people a hand-up, and the American people agree 
with us. It's

[[Page H7269]]

time President Clinton stopped talking, and start delivering on his 
promises.
  Where is your pen, Mr. President? The country needs welfare reform.

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