Pete Stark: “I rise in support of H.R. 4558, the Noncitizen Benefit Clarification and Other Technical Amendments Act of 1998. H.R.…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4558, the Noncitizen Benefit Clarification and Other Technical Amendments Act of 1998. H.R. 4558 will extend Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nonqualified aliens who were receiving benefits before the enactment of welfare reform. This group of about 12,000 aliens, all of whom are elderly or disabled or both, will lose SSI and Medicaid on October 1 of this year unless Congress votes to permanently extend their benefits. The vast majority of affected recipients reside in California. The Federal Government has a responsibility to set guidelines that protect the vulnerable in this country. As a society, we have an obligation to support the elderly, the disabled and the poor. By gouging our food stamp program and denying benefits to legal immigrants, welfare reform doesn't even come close to those standards. Welfare reform pushes more children into poverty and leaves more of the poor without the health care they need. I support this correction and believe we should be doing more to give the needy a helping hand.”