Bob Dole: “I am prepared to say I think most of the differences have been resolved on our side because we have tried to base our…”

“I am prepared to say I think most of the differences have been resolved on our side because we have tried to base our bill on three principles: Creating a real work requirement, returning authority to the States, and restraining welfare spending. These principles are key to reaching our goal of dramatic reform that provides work, hope, and opportunity to Americans in need. The amendment before us proposed by the Democratic leader fails to meet these principles. The Democrats call it Work First, but in fact, it is 'weak first'--weak on work, weak on limiting welfare dependency, weak on State innovation, weak on savings, weak on real reform. Let me just say, any bill that comes before us that is going to pass the Congress and, hopefully, any bill signed by the President is going to have a real work requirement in it which requires able-bodied welfare recipients to find a job, not stay at home and not stay in a training program forever, because when it comes to escaping poverty we know the old American work ethic is true. Work works.”