[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NONCITIZEN BENEFIT CLARIFICATION AND OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS ACT OF 
                                  1998

  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 4558, just received from 
the House.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 4558) to make technical amendments to clarify 
     the provision of benefits for noncitizens, and to improve the 
     provision of unemployment insurance, child support, and 
     supplemental security income benefits.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the bill?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, the bill now before the Senate contains 
seven technical amendments. Although each provision may seem minor, 
every one serves a larger, more important purpose. Also, as I will 
describe, the legislation is time sensitive, which is why the Senate is 
considering this bill in an expedited manner. Let me also note that the 
bill has bipartisan support and passed the House on a voice vote on 
September 23rd. Also, the small cost of the bill is fully paid for.
  The first provision would ensure that every elderly or disabled 
noncitizen dependent on SSI and Medicaid benefits when welfare reform 
was enacted in August 1996 will remain eligible. The Balanced Budget 
Act of 1997 grandfathered most legal aliens receiving SSI. However, at 
that time, a small number--about 22,000--received only a temporary 
extension, until September 30, 1998, pending a study of their legal 
status. That issue has been largely resolved, and this provision would 
complete the work of BBA.
  The bill also makes a number of common sense changes that encourage 
work and personal responsibility in several programs under the 
jurisdiction of the Finance Committee.
  Finally, I would like to highlight an important humanitarian 
provision in this legislation. Many members are undoubtedly aware of 
the Make-A-Wish Foundation and similar organizations that help fulfill 
the dreams of children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. For 
example, the child with cancer who gets a trip to Disney World. Yet, a 
sick child could lose SSI and Medicaid benefits if the cash value of 
their ``wish'' exceed current law income limits. This bill would fix 
that problem.
  I urge the support of all Members of this legislation.
  Mr JEFFORDS. I ask unanimous consent the bill be considered read the 
third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the 
table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 4558) was deemed read the third time and passed.

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