Political Quotes

“The President and House Republicans' message on welfare reform has been loud and clear. States need greater flexibility, but when it comes to abstinence education, they are unwilling to afford that same flexibility. If States want the Federal match, they must do the Federal Government's bidding and use an abstinence-only curriculum. In other words, Mr. Speaker, schools cannot use these dollars to teach kids about AIDS, about STDs, or about birth control. The substitute bill we are offering today does not affect the ability of States to use these grants for abstinence-only education if they choose to, if that is the direction they want to take. Our bill gives State and local systems the flexibility, a word that Republicans use on this floor regularly, the flexibility to provide additional information to students that can help protect them against STDs and teen pregnancy. I would urge my colleagues to remember that more than 80 percent of parents support comprehensive sex education. Why is the Federal Government not listening? Regarding the transitional Medicaid program, we support the extension of transitional medical assistance which helps working families keep health insurance as they transition from welfare to work.”