Arlen Specter: “I support the welfare reform bill with substantial reservations. I support the welfare reform bill because I think it is…”

“I support the welfare reform bill with substantial reservations. I support the welfare reform bill because I think it is our best chance to break a pattern which has existed for decades where people rely upon welfare and find themselves dependent upon welfare and have no way to break out of the welfare cycle, the welfare chain to find jobs. I believe this legislation, while far from perfect--it does not contain many amendments that I voted for--is the best chance to do it at this time. This legislation has advanced to this stage with substantial bipartisan support; 23 of 46 Democrats voted for this bill. The President of the United States has stated his intention to sign the bill when it reaches his desk if the conference report is passed. It seems to be a very high probability. One of my colleagues on the Republican side has voted against the bill because it is not tough enough, not strong enough in limiting welfare benefits. Those are some of the indicators that this bill perhaps is, if not balanced, about as good a job as we could do given the problems of our society and given the problems of a campaign year.”