Political Quotes

“we can keep the restriction on cash assistance after 5 years, but let us not take a step backward and prohibit all forms of noncash assistance. This prohibition is aimed directly at our children, and I think it is misguided. If we want a welfare reform compromise, if we want to avoid being unnecessarily harsh on our children, if we want to maximize State flexibility, we should pass this amendment. It is supported by the National Governors' Association, and it makes the bill identical to H.R. 4, which passed the Congress last year. It does not add to the cost of the bill and it promotes State flexibility. During the conference last year, the Governors lobbied hard for this particular amendment. I know none of my colleagues take these decisions lightly, but I hope you will remember that each one of us will be forever wedded to these decisions. We are essentially providing a road map for the future, the futures of hundreds of thousands of children in this country. Make no mistake about it, 5 or 10 or 15 years from now, when these children have become young adults, you and I must take some responsibility for their successes or failures. Of course, they will have their setbacks, just like you and me. But let us assure that those setbacks are not set in motion by the decisions we make today.”