Joe Wilson: “as a member of the Welfare Reform Action Team, I am here today to reopen the discussion on welfare reform. In 1996…”

“as a member of the Welfare Reform Action Team, I am here today to reopen the discussion on welfare reform. In 1996, after a contentious debate that will not soon be forgotten, Republicans rallied to pass welfare reform. Another thing that will not be soon forgotten is welfare reform's historic results. Republican-led welfare reform has proven successful in replacing welfare checks with paychecks, fostering independence, boosting personal incomes and improving the well-being of children. In 1996, Congress fixed a welfare system that was completely broken. The proof is in the numbers. Since 1994, welfare caseloads have been reduced by 9 million. The number of individuals receiving cash assistance has dropped by 56 percent. Nearly 3 million children have been lifted from poverty, and the child poverty rate is at its lowest level since 1978. That is real progress. Now that the success stories from many and the naysayers are few, it is my sincere hope that this House will support the President in reauthorizing welfare reform in a strong bipartisan fashion. There is still more work to be done. We must continue to strengthen the path toward independence.”