[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 23, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H8109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         WE MUST REFORM WELFARE

  (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, let me tell my colleagues, we all came to 
Washington to change how Washington works, and one of the most basic, 
fundamental changes we need to bring, of course, is reforming our 
welfare system.
  Between 1965 and 1994, America's taxpayers have spent $5.4 trillion 
on welfare, and what have we gotten? A failed welfare system.
  Who suffers the most under welfare today? The children of our Nation.
  In fact, as a result of our failed welfare programs are high rates of 
juvenile crime, more children living in poverty than ever before and 
higher rates of teenage illegitimacy.
  Our current welfare system has failed.
  Just last week this House passed real welfare reform, welfare reform 
that emphasizes work and family and responsibility. Twice now we have 
passed and sent to the President real welfare reform that emphasizes 
work and family and responsibility, and President Clinton vetoed it 
twice.
  Well, let us send it again. Let us send real welfare reform that 
emphasizes work and family responsibility. Let us hope that the third 
time is the charm. Let us hope the President signs the bill this time. 
We need welfare reform.

                          ____________________