James M. Jeffords: “I would like to clarify where we are here, so people understand a little bit better. First of all, when we talk about…”

“I would like to clarify where we are here, so people understand a little bit better. First of all, when we talk about education in this bill, we are not just talking about what I was referring to as adult basic education. This is where all your money comes from for the so-called Perkins programs, the vocational education, the other employment money. That 25 percent amounts to a little over $1 billion. What we are saying is, when you take a look, again, at this chart, the bulk of people on welfare are in the category where they have been on it 2 to 5 years. These are the ones who are supposed to lose their benefits if they do not get adequate education. There is $340 million that would be available for them, plus anyone else in that area, to get the basic adult education. That would be fine, but the demand is about $1.6 billion. All we are saying is, for God's sake, at least make sure they get the $340 million that is indicated when they need $1.6 billion to be able to comply with the purpose of the bill, and welfare, and that is get to work. How can you get work if you do not have an education, if you have no skill training? So we have $1.6 billion that should be out there to get the people off but only $340 million as provided in this bill. All this amendment does is say: At least, at least make sure they have the $340 million.”