Bob Kerrey: “I come to the floor intending to vote against this bill and would like to explain why. I think this piece of legislation…”

“I come to the floor intending to vote against this bill and would like to explain why. I think this piece of legislation in the context of our budget and the context of our economy will not make things better. Those who believe this new law will make life better for poor Americans who depend upon Government payments for family support, for food stamps, for supplemental security income, the earned-income tax credit, child nutrition, foster care, and the social service block grant, have offered at least three, as I have heard them, three principal arguments with which I strongly agree. First, I agree that our current welfare system has failed because it penalizes work and rewards behavior which is contrary to the core American values of family, personal responsibility and self-discipline. I agree that States need far more flexibility and authority in designing systems which are appropriate for their varying needs and circumstances. And I agree that deficit reduction will help low-income Americans by promoting growth and job creation.”