Political Quotes

“if I could spend 30 seconds, I have long believed that work requirements should be clear, strong, and applied promptly. For too long we have permitted welfare dependency to undermine the potential productivity of too many able-bodied Americans. We have allowed too many able-bodied welfare recipients not to work. That is wrong. The amendment which I am offering would add a requirement that welfare recipients be in job training and school or working in private sector jobs within 6 months of receipt of benefits, and if private sector jobs could not be found they be required to perform some type of community service employment. The requirement would be phased in over 3 years to allow States the chance to adjust administratively. We have added in this modification a opt-out provision for States by notification of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and also to make clear the intent to conform to the modifications which Senator Dole made to his amendment No. 2280 last week. The bill before us requires recipients to work within no more than 2 years of receipt of benefits. Why wait that long? Why wait 2 years? Unless an able-bodied person is in school or job training, why wait longer than 6 months to require that a person have a private job or be performing community service? My amendment says 6 months instead of 2 years. There is no doubt that there is a great need in local communities across the country for community service workers.”