[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9622-S9623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             WELFARE REFORM

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise today to speak on behalf of 
the welfare reform bill that passed this body yesterday.
  Much has been said on the House and Senate floor and in the media 
about the impact of this bill on children and the working poor. Those 
who have spoken out against the bill have called it, draconian, and 
legislative child abuse. Well, I disagree.
  For the past 61 years we have allowed a program originally designed 
to help families through a difficult time to become a welfare program 
that discourages able-bodied citizens from working. The current welfare 
system takes away the dignity and self respect that comes from earning 
an honest living and has replaced it with generation after generation 
of families dependant on public assistance.
  In the past 61 years instead of teaching our children about work 
ethics, responsibility, hard work and determination, we have taught 
them how easy it can be to live off public assistance. Now, ladies and 
gentlemen, that is abuse.
  Everyday men and women get up in the morning, dress their children 
and get them ready for the day. After the morning routine, these same 
men and women get into their cars and negotiate traffic on their way to 
work. Everyday these people work long hours to provide for their 
families, pay the bills and if they are lucky put a little money away 
in a college or retirement fund. All this bill asks is that those who 
are able to work try to perform a service for their benefits.
  The working men and women of America have been doing their part for

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61 long years. Now we have the golden opportunity to respond to the 
working men and women who believed us when we said we would reform the 
welfare program and to the States that have proven that they can handle 
the task of administering their own welfare programs. By returning some 
of the power to the States we make it possible to help people out of 
poverty.
  Colorado is initiating a Personal Responsibility and Employment 
Program. There are innovative and insightful people in my State as 
there are in others. These State leaders have shown that there are 
alternatives to Federal control and that they can meet the needs of the 
residents of the State. The States have the best chance of moving 
people to work and restoring their self respect.
  This bill included an amendment concerning the State Appropriation of 
Block Grant Funds. It ensures States expend block grant funds in the 
same way in which a State expends its own funds. Consequently, both the 
legislative and executive branch in the State share control of block 
grant funds through the appropriations process.
  In addition, the bill included an amendment that places a 15 percent 
cap on administrative costs. Funds for welfare programs should go to 
individuals who need help, not to bureaucratic administrators.
  When the 104th Congress convened in January 1995, we made a promise 
to the American people. We promised to reform the welfare program and 
rein in runaway entitlement spending. I must commend the work of my 
colleagues for enabling us to keep our word and follow through on our 
commitment to reform welfare.

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