[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H2477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORT WELFARE REFORM

  (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, 6 years ago we took a welfare system 
that nobody thought could be fixed and put it to work. The results have 
been overwhelming. Welfare reform lifted nearly 3 million children from 
poverty and 9 million people left the welfare rolls altogether.
  Republicans led a welfare reform effort that has proved successful in 
replacing welfare checks with paychecks. We created a system that 
fostered independence, boosted personal income, and improved the well-
being of children. By promoting work, recipients were encouraged to 
join the workforce. By redefining compassion, welfare recipients were 
given a new sense of hope. By passing welfare legislation, people were 
guided down the path of independence.
  We must guard against those who want to erode the progress that we 
have made, especially on so important an issue as changing the culture 
to promote strong families and a strong work ethic. Join me today and 
vote for H.R. 4700.

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