[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 12, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORT DEMOCRATIC SUBSTITUTE OF H.R. 4, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, WORK 
                    AND FAMILY PROMOTION ACT OF 2003

  (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
comment on H.R. 4, the Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family 
Promotion Act of 2003 and to voice my support for the Democratic 
substitute.
  The Republican bill is an unfunded mandate for the States. H.R. 4 
will cost the States a total of $11.1 billion, with my State, 
California, being hit the hardest with almost $2.5 billion.
  In contrast, the Democratic bill properly funds employment services 
and quality child care for families. The Democratic bill would replace 
the current caseload reduction credit with an employment credit, which 
means we would reward States for moving people into jobs, not just off 
the welfare rolls.
  Finally, the Democratic proposal ensures fairness for legal immigrant 
families. It removes the 5-year ban on States to help legal immigrants 
with Federal TANF funds, Medicaid services for pregnant women and 
children, and SSI benefits for disabled children.
  Mr. Speaker, speaking as a daughter of immigrants who are now U.S. 
citizens, it is un-American to enact laws that discriminate against 
those who come here legally looking for a chance to start a new life.

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