[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 31, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H9382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PRESIDENT CLINTON ON WELFARE REFORM

  (Mr. BAKER of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BAKER of California. Mr. Speaker, speaking to the National 
Governor's Association 2 weeks ago, Bill Clinton sounded like a 
Republican. He talked about getting tough on irresponsible fathers; he 
talked about cutting redtape; he talked about work; he talked about 
strong families; he even talked about imposing time limits on welfare 
benefits.
  This week, Congress will send the White House the third welfare 
reform bill that addresses all the concerns raised by the President. It 
will have real work requirements and real time limits. It is genuine 
welfare reform; it is common sense; and it will move people from 
dependence to work and independence.
  As Bill Clinton said in one of his radio addresses: ``No challenge is 
more important than replacing our broker welfare system.'' Mr. Speaker, 
he's right. But changing something as big and as entrenched as the 
welfare system requires commitment, it requires honesty, and it 
requires that politicians keep their promises. We can only hope Bill 
Clinton will do the right thing and sign the bill.

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