Jack Reed: “today's vote is about change. Today we begin the move from a status quo that no one approves of to a reformed and…”

“today's vote is about change. Today we begin the move from a status quo that no one approves of to a reformed and improved welfare system. Our current welfare system traps too many families in a cycle of dependency and does little to encourage or help such individuals find employment. Both welfare recipients and taxpayers lose if the status quo is maintained. I have repeatedly stated that meaningful welfare reform should move recipients to work and protect children. Just 2 weeks ago, I supported a bipartisan welfare plan, authored by Republican Representative Michael Castle and Democratic Representative John Tanner, which I believe met these goals. The conference agreement on H.R. 3734 is not perfect, but it is a good first step into an era of necessary welfare reform. This legislation contains many useful and necessary improvements over the previous welfare proposals put forth by the Republican majority. In fact, this legislation has moved several steps closer to the Castle- Tanner bill.”