[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1695-E1696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES IMPROVEMENT AND INNOVATION ACT AND 
           TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES EXTENSION

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of two of 
today's scheduled bills, the Child and Family Services Improvement and 
Innovation Act and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 
Extension.
  The Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act makes 
the necessary improvements to the Child Welfare Services and Promoting 
Safe and Stable Families programs to ensure accountability of the funds 
spent in the programs. Particularly, the waiver requirements and the 
required Government Accountability Office study will help reduce the 
duplication of funds for these programs.
  Regarding the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Extension, I 
feel that this three month extension will provide the proper time to 
discuss, debate and research the benefits of mandating drug-testing and 
substance abuse treatment programs as a requirement for individuals to 
receive funds under this program. Including such a provision will 
increase the accountability of means-tested cash recipients and send a 
message that substance abuse will not be tolerated or supported by the 
federal government.
  I see a direct link in the issue of substance abuse and child 
maltreatment; I feel that the inclusion of a drug-testing requirement 
would improve both programs and increase their efficiency.
  I look forward to working on this issue with my colleagues in the 
Subcommittee on Human Resources, the Ways and Means Committee and the 
House of Representatives at-large.

[[Page E1696]]



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