Dick Lugar: “as we end the debate on the welfare reform conference report, I would like to make several acknowledgements of effort in…”

“as we end the debate on the welfare reform conference report, I would like to make several acknowledgements of effort in bringing forward this truly historic legislation. First, I want to congratulate Chairman Domenici and Chairman Roth and thank them for their leadership. As chairman of the Agriculture Committee, I am pleased to have been a partner with them in crafting this bill. I also want to thank my staff on the Agriculture Committee for their efforts throughout this 104th Congress to make welfare reform a reality. Staff director Chuck Conner, as always, contributed strong leadership. Dave Johnson and Beth Johnson worked tirelessly to develop proposals that both meet our budget goals and continue to deliver assistance to the needy. They were assisted ably over the past year by Bill Sims, who has returned to the U.S. Secret Service. Special thanks are also due to Joe Richardson of the Congressional Research Service, whose knowledge of the very complicated nutrition assistance programs was invaluable. The legislative process that culminates here in the Senate today sometimes seemed like a rollercoaster ride with no end. Frustration and long hours were common for my staff. But they have my sincere thanks for their efforts. They should be very proud of this landmark bill. In the final analysis, this welfare reform legislation represents the best of our democratic process.”