[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 4140]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          STRONGLY ENCOURAGE RENEWED DEBATE ON WELFARE REFORM

  (Mr. SULLIVAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you to strongly encourage 
renewed debate on welfare reform. It is imperative to all Americans 
that the institution of welfare is reformed and repaired in order for 
those who need real assistance to get help from the Government they 
need. I am excited about welfare reform legislation that will begin 
genuine improvement in the lives of underprivileged Americans.
  Six years ago Members of this body united to pass a bill that 
revolutionized the lives of welfare recipients. In the 6 years since 
the passing of that legislation, America has witnessed a huge decline 
in welfare dependence. In fact, the numbers show that individuals 
receiving cash assistance has dropped by 56 percent.
  In the past 6 years, over 3 million children have been lifted from 
the depths of poverty. Former welfare recipients and their children are 
achieving their independence from welfare.
  We have taken a step in the right direction, but we have only 
scratched the surface. The House must finish the work we started 6 
years ago. We must stay determined to ensure the success of welfare 
reform moving forward. We cannot undermine the reforms we have taken by 
expecting the needed changes to happen on their own. We cannot rest, 
and I ask my colleagues to continue to support the call for 
reauthorization of welfare reform.

                          ____________________