[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 4943]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          FOSTERING FAMILY INDEPENDENCE THROUGH 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, in 1996 this House passed historic welfare 
reform legislation that fostered family independence by moving people 
into the workforce. Welfare reform is an issue of monumental 
proportion. Six years ago we had a positive effect on the lives of 
millions of needy Americans. Today we have another chance to improve 
the lives of many more.
  Since 1996, statistics have shown that welfare families have begun to 
achieve independence. While we celebrate the progress of 1996, we must 
charter a plan that guarantees future success. This Congress must move 
forward to reauthorize welfare reform and assist those Americans that 
have not yet achieved their goals.
  Welfare reform works. But we must continually improve the system 
today for tomorrow. By reaching out to Americans in need, we will 
change not only lives, but put a smile on the face of our society.
  We are making progress, Mr. Speaker, but it is time we turn the 
corner. Let us strengthen the path towards independence by empowering 
people to support themselves. I encourage my colleagues to support 
reauthorized welfare reform.

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