William Martini: “Americans are a generous, caring people. We also are realistic and result oriented. We want our private and public…”

“Americans are a generous, caring people. We also are realistic and result oriented. We want our private and public generosity to raise ladders of opportunity for those who have fallen behind. We intend our efforts to serve as a hand-up, not simply a handout. It has been more than 50 years since the Federal welfare system was conceived. Today, Americans overwhelmingly agree it has been an expensive failure and, in many instances, has inflicted disastrous consequences on its recipients, and on our national well-being. Finally, Congress has accepted the wisdom of the people. And in the next few days, the new Republican majority will bring to the House a number of proposals that will end welfare as we know it. In its place, we will initiate an era of genuine human compassion, of opportunity, of personal responsibility and self-reliance and lifted hopes. That, Mr. Speaker, is our Contract With America.”