Mark Takano: “Republicans say the darnedest things. I'd like to read a statement from a 2005 letter from the Republican Governors…”

“Republicans say the darnedest things. I'd like to read a statement from a 2005 letter from the Republican Governors Association outlining its priorities for TANF reauthorization: As Governors, we believe the following provisions . . . are integral to State programs and support their inclusion and protection as the bill moves forward through regular order. The [2005] Senate bill provides States with the flexibility to manage their TANF programs. . . . Increased waiver authority . . . and the ability to coordinate State programs are all important aspects of moving recipients from welfare to work. The letter was signed by Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee, Mitch Daniels, Rick Perry, and many more. Mr. Speaker, today, the House debates banning the very waivers that Republican leaders from across the country have already expressed their support for. Mr. Speaker, I urge my Republican colleagues to listen to Republican Governors and allow States to find new and creative models to move people from welfare to work. ____________________”