Lincoln Chafee: “I support the Domenici amendment. There has been a lot of talk about inconsistency and about flexibility. I think that…”

“I support the Domenici amendment. There has been a lot of talk about inconsistency and about flexibility. I think that applies on both sides. None of us have been totally consistent. But with regard to this, the whole thrust of this bill is meant to be for flexibility. And with a mandatory family cap, as is suggested by the opponents of this bill, certainly that is not in keeping with flexibility. Now, the suggestion is that, 'Do not worry. There are no cash payments provided in this bill, but vouchers are provided.' That is not quite accurate. The underlying bill does not provide for vouchers. It says vouchers may be provided. I would also point out that this is a nightmare of administration when you are dealing with vouchers for children. So it seems to me, as has been pointed out here, under the underlying bill, the people that suffer under this proposal to get at illegitimacy as the target, the people that suffer are the children. I just do not think that is the way to proceed. As has been pointed out by the Senator from New Jersey, there is no definiteness about the family cap having reduced illegitimacy.”