[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE WELFARE INTEGRITY ACT OF 2013

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                        HON. STEPHEN LEE FINCHER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2013

  Mr. FINCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of 
Washington ending the cycle of drug abuse by allowing states to perform 
random drug tests to receive the Temporary Assistance for Needy 
Families (TANF) benefits.
  The time is now to stop the cruel cycle of drug abuse. Currently, 
Washington enables people who are addicted to drugs by allowing them to 
participate in the TANF program while still abusing drugs. This program 
was designed to provide a safety net for families and children in their 
time of need. Instead Washington is enabling the drug abuse cycle to 
continue because Washington does not demand folks who use the program 
to be drug free.
  If Washington wants to help families move toward economic stability 
it must end the cycle of drug abuse and encourage individuals to become 
healthy. By allowing for random drug checks, it can ensure that 
families receiving TANF benefits use the funds for the intended purpose 
of feeding, clothing, and providing shelter for children while cutting 
the ties that enables the cycle of drug abuse.
  The Welfare Integrity Act of 2013 requires each state participating 
in the TANF program to certify that applicants and current recipients 
are being randomly tested for illegal drug use. In order to pass 
constitutional muster, the Welfare Integrity Act of 2013 requires 
states to provide a consent and waiver form where applicants are given 
the choice to waive their Fourth Amendment Rights and submit to a 
random drug test. The Supreme Court has ruled several times individuals 
have the right to waive their Fourth Amendment rights. Bottom line, the 
choice is yours.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House to support me in 
passing the Welfare Integrity Act of 2013 to eliminate abuse and ensure 
the benefits are used for the purpose intended, to protect children.

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