John B. Breaux: “I think what we are establishing by our conversation, and I think it is helpful in understanding the two approaches, is…”

“I think what we are establishing by our conversation, and I think it is helpful in understanding the two approaches, is that we both have requirements of people who are now on welfare to go into the work force. Even the percentages, I think, are ultimately the same: 50 percent by a date certain. We both have exemptions as to who should not be forced to work. Ours are more broad. We have people who are incapacitated, mothers with children under 1 year old. You have fewer exemptions. I think the key point that needs to be made here is that we require these people to be put to work, and we are going to help the States fund the programs that put them to work. The concern that I and other Democrats have about the Republican proposal is that it is an unfunded mandate in the sense you are telling the States they have to meet these goals, but not providing them any financial assistance in order to meet it. That is a bigger question, and I think is a legitimate question for discussion: How are the States going to meet these goals with less help than they are getting now?”