[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H2475-H2476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   WELFARE REFORM IS ROUSING SUCCESS

  (Mr. FOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, the welfare reform bill we passed in 1996 has 
been a rousing success. Republicans should be proud that we helped 
welfare recipients achieve independence through work. We should be 
proud that we have protected children, strengthened families, and 
helped millions achieve success. If Members do not believe me, let me 
define success in the terms of the Republican-led welfare reform 
legislation.

[[Page H2476]]

  Mr. Speaker, nearly 3 million children have been lifted from poverty. 
Work among mothers most likely to go on welfare has risen by 40 
percent. Nine million people left welfare, a 60 percent drop. That, Mr. 
Speaker, is the definition of success.
  Welfare reform is working, but in order to get more people from 
welfare to work, we must continue to improve the system. In the past 6 
years, we have seen welfare cases fall by 14 million to just 5 million 
people. By reaching out to Americans in need, we have changed our 
society for the better, and have changed the lives of millions of 
Americans forever. We are making progress. Let us not rest on our 
laurels. Let us strengthen the path towards independence by empowering 
people to support themselves. Vote yes on H.R. 4700.

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