[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 16, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H7538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       WE NEED WELFARE REFORM NOW

  (Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, in 1965, our country launched a 
war on poverty. The intentions were good, but 31 years and $5.4 
trillion later, we have nothing to show but poverty, despair, 
hopelessness, broken families, and a damaged work ethic.
  Mr. Speaker, 18 months ago, this Congress set out to truly reform 
welfare. Twice our efforts were stopped by two Presidential vetoes. 
This week we're trying again.
  Bill Clinton wants to keep business as usual, with bureaucrats in 
Washington running welfare by blindly handing out checks. But, in order 
for us to reform the welfare system and bring it into the 21st century 
we have no choice but to fix it.
  Mr. Speaker, our plan not only changes the ``business as usual'' 
attitudes of the White House but will bring sweeping reforms. The 
Republican plan will keep welfare from becoming a way of life; restore 
power and flexibility to the States; keep noncitizens and felons from 
receiving these benefits; and encourage personal responsibility.
  Mr. Speaker, we need welfare reform, and we need it now.

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