Political Quotes

“Mr. President, there is a concrete reason for voting for this less-than-perfect bill. For millions of Americans, this legislation can be a tool for turning the welfare check into a trampoline for opportunity and independence. I know this because my home State of Oregon has achieved it. Once more, the State of Oregon has marked a path for the Nation. By putting in place our welfare reform program, known as Jobs Plus, we have shown the Nation that it is possible to be both tough and compassionate. With our Jobs Plus Program, we have been able to have strong work requirements and critically needed child care and medical care for folks coming off of welfare. The plan is working for both taxpayers and those coming off of welfare. And as the President said yesterday, today's legislation can spark more States into going with the kind of approach we have at home. Mr. President, a few years ago, an Oregonian approached me on the street and said, ``You know, for me, welfare is kind of like `economic methadone.' You guys send me a check. The checks always come, but you people never let me do anything to break out, to get off welfare.'' This legislation provides the way to break out--a real key for unlocking the riddle of welfare dependency.”