John Kerry: “the welfare bill before us today would allow States to experiment with various welfare policies. Many States may…”

“the welfare bill before us today would allow States to experiment with various welfare policies. Many States may implement innovative welfare policies to move parents from welfare to work. But if we are sending Federal money to States, if we are going to take this risk and allow States to experiment, let's be sure that child poverty does not increase. This amendment, which I introducing with Senator Murray, says that if child poverty increases in a State after the date of enactment of this welfare bill, that State would be required to submit a corrective action plan. There is nothing more important to this debate than constantly reminding ourselves that our focus is--or ought to be--this Nation's children. That was the focus when under Franklin Roosevelt's leadership title IV-A of the Social Security Act was originally enacted. The objective here is to help impoverished children. Let me acknowledge right up front that this amendment will be subject to a point of order under the Byrd rule and will require 60 votes to pass. I want to say to my Republican colleagues that it is outrageous that we are debating welfare reform under budget reconciliation rules.”