John Shaw: “I say to the gentleman, absolutely not. In fact, section 417 of the 1996 welfare reform law specifically provides that…”

“I say to the gentleman, absolutely not. In fact, section 417 of the 1996 welfare reform law specifically provides that, and I quote, ``No officer or employee of the Federal Government may regulate the conduct of States under this part or enforce any provision of this part, except to the extent expressly provided in this part.'' So the Department of Labor is usurping congressional authority. Further, when proposals were put forth in Congress which attempted to treat workfare participants as employees, they were defeated. For example, an amendment offered by the gentleman from California [Mr. Becerra] requiring that workfare participants be covered by labor laws was defeated right here in this Chamber. The bottom line is that the legislative history is very clear. Congress did not intend for the Department of Labor to ruin the welfare reform law by outlawing work. The Clinton Administration has thrown down the gauntlet, first by issuing an outrageous ruling and then by refusing to go along with our efforts to correct this unwarranted attack on welfare reform. Congress will react in an appropriate fashion before this session is over to make sure that families can receive the training and experience they need to leave welfare for work and to support themselves.”