Erik Paulsen: “Thank you and thank you Dr. Boustany for introducing this legislation. I rise today as a co-sponsor of H.R. 3567, the…”

“Thank you and thank you Dr. Boustany for introducing this legislation. I rise today as a co-sponsor of H.R. 3567, the Welfare Integrity Now for Children and Families Act because at a time when millions of Americans are still out of work, and our economy is struggling to recover, we must take every step available to safeguard taxpayer dollars. Madam Speaker, between January of 2007 and June of 2010 nearly $5 million in state-issued benefits were withdrawn from ATMs in California casinos alone. We need to correct this problem, and H.R. 3567 does just that. This provision requires all states to take steps to end this abusive practice, safeguarding taxpayer funds from abuse by ensuring that welfare funds are not accessed in strip clubs, liquor stores, and casinos--a practice which has been highlighted in news stories across the country. This bill ensures all states take action to close this loophole. I note that this policy is the same as that introduced by Senators Hatch and Baucus, the Ranking Member and Chairman, respectively, of the Senate Finance Committee, so it has strong support in the other body as well. Let's continue the momentum, pass this legislation, and prove to the American people that we are here to get things done in 2012. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3567, as amended. The question was taken.…”