    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [March 24, 1995]
    [Pages 395-396]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on Welfare Reform
    March 24, 1995

        At a time when so many Americans without regard to party agree on
    the need for welfare reform, it's a shame the House of Representatives
    could not produce a real welfare reform plan that would promote work and
    responsibility and attract broad bipartisan support. I am disappointed
    that instead of joining in a real, bipartisan effort to move people from
    welfare to work, a narrow partisan Republican majority passed a bill
    that is weak on work and tough on children.
        I am determined to work with Republicans and Democrats in Congress
    to produce the kind of welfare reform Americans, regardless of party
    affiliation, want and expect. To end welfare as we know it, we must be
    tough on work and tough on deadbeat parents not tough on children.

    [[Page 396]]

        I commend the House of Representatives on one part of the bill that
    enjoyed true bipartisan support--tough measures on child support
    enforcement, including refusing drivers' and professional licenses to
    deadbeat parents who refuse to pay child support. The House passed every
    major child support element of our welfare reform plan, which will
    enable us to mount the toughest child support enforcement crackdown in
    history. It is time to demand responsibility from parents who bring
    children into the world, not let them off the hook and expect taxpayers
    to pick up the tab for their neglect.
        Welfare reform can and must be a bipartisan issue. I look forward to
    working with Republicans and Democrats in the Senate to pass real
    welfare reform that will make work and responsibility the law of the
    land.