[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 143 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to call attention to 
provisions in the recently approved omnibus appropriations bill dealing 
with electronic benefits transfer [EBT].
  In the waning hours of the negotiations on the omnibus appropriations 
bill, legislative language was inserted--sections 664 and 665--
providing for the delivery of EBT services by the Federal Government. 
In effect, the provision nullified an August 13, 1996, D.C. Circuit 
Court of Appeals decision involving the procurement process in an EBT 
initiative under the direction of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
  While I supported passage of the omnibus appropriations bill, I have 
very serious concerns with the impact of the EBT language and, as a 
result of these provisions becoming law, remain concerned with the 
direction of EBT. The financial ramifications and impact associated 
with providing benefits through EBT are enormous. The fact these 
provisions were added to the bill and became law with virtually no 
congressional oversight is extremely troublesome. I am uncomfortable 
with Congress overturning court decisions and ultimately directing 
multimillion dollar contracts without review. These provisions on EBT 
have not been reviewed in detail by the committees of jurisdiction nor 
have they been subject to hearings.
  Mr. President, throughout my service in Congress, I have focused 
considerable legislative effort in the area of social policy, and I'm 
very pleased to have played a role in the development and direction of 
the landmark welfare policies that became law earlier this year. The 
efficiencies associated with delivering social service benefits through 
EBT have been an integral part of welfare reform discussions over the 
past 5 years. And with the enactment of the landmark welfare reform 
law, the need to develop a comprehensive EBT policy becomes all the 
more important.
  If Congress is to better manage the delivery of Federal services and 
benefits, we must start with EBT. Throughout the remainder of this year 
and into the next Congress, I intend to address this issue, not only 
with the Secretary of the Treasury, but also with the leadership of the 
committees of jurisdiction. It is imperative that Congress develop a 
comprehensive EBT policy with comment and direction from the Banking, 
Agriculture, Finance, and Governmental Affairs Committees, all who have 
major interests in this area.
  Mr. President, with the recent passage of the omnibus appropriations 
bill, I wanted to take a moment of Senate business to express my very 
serious concerns with the language on EBT and the impact that this will 
have on the future delivery of social service benefits. I appreciate 
the attention of my colleagues today and encourage your interest and 
involvement.

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