Ron Lewis: “in 1965, our country launched a war on poverty. The intentions were good, but 31 years and $5.4 trillion later, we have…”

“in 1965, our country launched a war on poverty. The intentions were good, but 31 years and $5.4 trillion later, we have nothing to show but poverty, despair, hopelessness, broken families, and a damaged work ethic. Mr. Speaker, 18 months ago, this Congress set out to truly reform welfare. Twice our efforts were stopped by two Presidential vetoes. This week we're trying again. Bill Clinton wants to keep business as usual, with bureaucrats in Washington running welfare by blindly handing out checks. But, in order for us to reform the welfare system and bring it into the 21st century we have no choice but to fix it. Mr. Speaker, our plan not only changes the ``business as usual'' attitudes of the White House but will bring sweeping reforms. The Republican plan will keep welfare from becoming a way of life; restore power and flexibility to the States; keep noncitizens and felons from receiving these benefits; and encourage personal responsibility. Mr. Speaker, we need welfare reform, and we need it now.”