[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H2515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             WELFARE REFORM

  (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, today we embark on a vigorous debate relative 
to welfare reform in America. In 1996 in this Chamber, Congress 
actively debated how to bring financial independence to millions of 
Americans. Three times it was vetoed by the President of the United 
States, finally signed into law. Two years later, President Clinton was 
bragging about being the author of the welfare reform bill that is now 
the law of the land.
  Millions of Americans are now financially independent, working to 
bring pride and respect to their families, and today we continue that 
debate to bring more independence to more Americans. I am proud of that 
work, and I am proud that this bill contains additional money for child 
care, job training, and preparing our citizens for the future of this 
country and its economy.
  I will welcome the debate vigorously on this floor today because I 
believe we are on the right path. My grandmother came from Poland, she 
was a maid at the Travel Lodge Motel, she worked hard all her life. All 
she wanted to be is a good citizen and an honest, God-fearing person of 
this country. I salute people like her, and I know we can do better 
with the bill on the floor today.

                          ____________________