Martin Sabo: “Mr. Speaker, there is no denying that we must make needed changes to our welfare system to make it more efficient and…”

“Mr. Speaker, there is no denying that we must make needed changes to our welfare system to make it more efficient and fair for the American people. In doing so, we should emphasize personal responsibility, and we should honor work. But we should not shred the entire safety net in the process. It would be unconscionable of this Congress to, in the name of reform, pass a welfare bill that drives millions of children into poverty. It would be equally irresponsible to simply push Federal welfare responsibilities off on State and local governments which may or may not have the resources to care for those truly in need. That is why I am offering this motion to instruct conferees today. House conferees should use this opportunity to negotiate with the Senate and with the President to ensure that millions of children are not pushed into poverty because of the welfare changes enacted by this Congress. We should also ensure that we do not overwhelm the ability of States and localities to deliver needed welfare services. We must reform our welfare system, but we must not do it in a fashion that increases child poverty or increases the burden on State and local government. Also, Mr. Speaker, it should be clear that any savings that result from this legislation should go for deficit reduction, not for other purposes.”