Alcee Hastings: “this is sweeping legislation affecting more than 5 million families and we owe it to them to engage in thoughtful debate…”

“this is sweeping legislation affecting more than 5 million families and we owe it to them to engage in thoughtful debate about the best ways to help them achieve permanent self sufficiency. There has been lively and thoughtful discussion on the best ways to do this--more than 43 amendments were submitted to the Rules Committee for consideration. I would have welcomed the opportunity to debate these options on the House floor. However, this closed rule, allowing a substitute but no other amendments, denies us the opportunity. Frankly, this is offensive to me and should be to the whole House as well. My concerns abut the shortfalls in this legislation are numerous. This bill imposes a huge unfunded mandate on the States and reduces the States' flexibility in determining the optimum mix of activities to help recipients become more self-sufficient. In addition, it doubles the number of required work hours for mothers with young children but provides minimal new child care funding to support this increased work requirement. Two particular items in this legislation are of serious concern to me. First, this bill fails to provide individuals and families the opportunities and help they require to rise out of poverty and gain self sufficiency. To attain a job with promotion potential and earnings above the poverty level requires experience, education, and job skills. I wish that success could be achieved as easily as the supporters of this bill lead us to believe.”