[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 303]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           THE WAR ON POVERTY

  (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate a milestone 
in our Nation's history. Fifty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson 
stood before Congress and declared an unconditional war on poverty.
  As we reflect on this war, I am inspired by the progress we have made 
in 50 years. We have expanded economic opportunity, and we have made 
the American Dream a reality for millions. But this is not enough. 
Recent events, like allowing unemployment insurance to expire, remind 
us that the war is not over.
  Even though our economy is recovering from a recession, 10.9 million 
Americans are still struggling to find work. Meanwhile, 16 million 
children live in poverty. And now the 1.3 million Americans who lost 
unemployment insurance have no means to provide for their family while 
they look for work.
  This cannot continue. No child should go to bed hungry, and no family 
should struggle to keep a roof over their heads.
  Fifty years ago we started a war, and yes, we have won many battles. 
But it is time to win the war, and we must start by making sure that 
Americans can continue to meet basic needs as they pursue their dreams. 
So I urge my colleagues to stand with me and extend unemployment 
insurance.

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