Barbara Boxer: “I stand here for welfare reform but against this bill. I am voting no, because I am not for punishing kids, and I am not…”

“I stand here for welfare reform but against this bill. I am voting no, because I am not for punishing kids, and I am not for punishing California or other States that have most of our legal immigrants. Saying that I am for welfare reform but against this bill is not inconsistent. My desire for reform was expressed by my vote for the Senate welfare bill last year in the two Democratic leadership welfare reform proposals. Mr. President, those bills were tough on work, compassionate to children, and cracked down on parents who were irresponsible.”