Nancy Kassebaum: “I will only say, the definition as we traditionally thought of is one which is defined as a full-time homemaker for a…”

“I will only say, the definition as we traditionally thought of is one which is defined as a full-time homemaker for a substantial number of years and who no longer receives financial support previously provided by a spouse or public assistance. That is what we traditionally thought of as a displaced homemaker. I will suggest that this expanded definition includes anyone who has been on welfare and has a child under the age of 16 will be, obviously, someone who is receiving some duplicative assistance as well. I just suggest while it is a very vulnerable population, the amendment does make a dramatic change, and I suggest, at least of my reading of it, under the education requirements that it is a required education activity. While it is permissible under job training, as I read it, it is required under education activities. I just think, Mr. President, that it runs contrary to the thrust of this bill which is attempting to get away, again, from our practice of narrowly defining programs and eligible recipients.”