[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             WELFARE REFORM

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to endorse 
welfare reform in America. There was an excellent lead editorial this 
week in the Carolina Morning News of Savannah dated March 4, and I 
quote:
  ``The 1996 welfare reform bill, passed by a Republican Congress and 
signed by President Clinton, stands as one of the great social policy 
successes of the last 50 years. It was to the cycle of dependency on 
the dole what the collapse of the Berlin Wall was to communism, both 
literally and symbolically.''
  America provides more opportunities to its people than any other 
country in the world, and our educational system and entrepreneurial 
spirit are unmatched. Therefore, we should work with President Bush to 
ensure all Americans have jobs and can fulfill themselves to the 
highest of their abilities.
  Madam Speaker, as the newest member of the Welfare Reform Action 
Team, I am confident, working together, we can assist more and more 
people to achieve the American dream. I fully support welfare reforms 
that will accomplish this important task.

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