Lynn Jenkins: “I thank the gentleman for yielding, and for his leadership on this very important issue. Mr. Speaker, today, the House…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and for his leadership on this very important issue. Mr. Speaker, today, the House will act to protect our Nation's welfare-to-work programs, which have been enormously successful in moving millions of Americans out of poverty, off government dependency, and into jobs since 1996. Following the implementation of welfare-to- work requirements, the number of individuals receiving welfare dropped by 57 percent, poverty among single mothers fell by 30 percent, and child poverty decreased dramatically. Welfare reform laws specifically forbid any administration from changing the work requirements without congressional approval. The current administration has ignored this and attempted to waive the work requirement, which would destroy critical aspects of welfare reform and years of progress. With the passage of H.R. 890, the House will block the administration's controversial waiver plan, and in the days ahead I hope the administration will work with Congress, instead of around it, to strengthen the TANF program and help low-income families achieve financial independence.”