[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H2478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    VOTE ``YES'' FOR 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. Mr. Speaker, I have good news to 
report. The good news is that today we are going to vote on the welfare 
reform bill which will constructively change the lives of millions of 
people. In 1996, Congress passed legislation that opened the door of 
independence, and today it is critical that we vote to keep that door 
open. We must continue the successes that started with Republican 
leadership 6 years ago.
  Welfare reform's new goal will be to spur States and welfare 
recipients to even greater levels of success. Through employment, work-
related services, child support reform and counseling for healthy 
family relationships, America can continue down the path of 
independence. We made a historic and positive change in our society 6 
years ago when we passed welfare reform legislation, but we have just 
turned the corner. Our work is far from done. Let us make sure we keep 
the door of independence open for those in need. Let us get willing 
people back to work. There is nothing more satisfying than the smiling 
faces of success.
  Vote ``yes'' for welfare reform reauthorization.

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