Mark Kelly: “I do not know what is more disheartening, the vicious cycle of dependency perpetuated by the current system of welfare…”

“I do not know what is more disheartening, the vicious cycle of dependency perpetuated by the current system of welfare, or the mindset on the part of some Members of this institution that a national welfare bureaucracy is the only way to help those in need. The American taxpayer has not lacked in generosity. We have invested well over $5 trillion on welfare in this country since the mid-1960's, and welfare spending continues to rise. And yet, despite this commitment, illegitimacy rates have risen, welfare dependence remains constant, and fewer recipients of assistance are working. Five million families received AFDC benefits in May 1993, up from 3.7 million in 1988, and over half of those families will remain dependent on welfare for over 10 years. ... It maintains a system of support for those in need, while restoring the notion that welfare recipients have an obligation to use this assistance to better themselves.”