[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 52 (Wednesday, May 1, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       STRENGTHEN WELFARE REFORM

  (Mr. HERGER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be part of the effort to 
strengthen the historic 1996 welfare reform law, TANF, or Temporary 
Assistance to Needy Families.
  Since 1996, nearly 3 million children have been lifted from poverty. 
Nine million citizens have left the welfare rolls altogether. And the 
black child poverty rate is at its lowest point in history.
  Mr. Speaker, over the past 6 years, we have found that a paycheck is 
the best path from poverty to self-sufficiency. The Republican plan and 
the President's plan will help even more low-income parents know the 
dignity that comes from a paycheck instead of a welfare check.
  Through welfare reform, we can assist even more low-income Americans 
improve the quality of their lives for themselves and their children.

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