Political Quotes

“the welfare reform bill before us will win no beauty contests. It is not the fairest of them all--and I intend the double meaning. With reservations, I voted in committee to send the measure to the floor. I wanted changes for fairer treatment of children and other stated concerns. We have made some improvements, but more are needed. In the opinion of this Senator, we have already voted on the best welfare reform bill. That distinction belongs to the Democratic work first plan that regrettably, in my view, did not pass the Senate. I believe, Mr. President, that the bill before us is maybe, just maybe, the framework for a welfare plan that can win the support of a majority in both Houses, and just as important, the approval of the President. It is near the best plan we can pass and bring to bear on a welfare system that cries out for change. I will not strike my tent now because I did not get everything I wanted in this bill. I believe that it goes a long way to reforming much that is wrong with the welfare system. We cannot lose this opportunity to break welfare's bitter cycle of dependency. It is my sincerest hope that the majority will work with those of us appointed as minority conferees and with the President during conference to improve this measure, and to push that process forward.”