Steve Cohen: “about 11 months ago, the Senate passed a welfare reform bill by an overwhelming 87 to 12 margin. That vote demonstrated…”

“about 11 months ago, the Senate passed a welfare reform bill by an overwhelming 87 to 12 margin. That vote demonstrated that there was strong, bipartisan agreement that the current welfare system needs a dramatic overhaul. After almost a year of discussion relating to the best way to reform the current system, it is satisfying that the same bipartisan spirit will be present when we vote on a welfare reform plan for third time. The current system, with its trademark entitlement programs, has been only marginally successful in providing for the most basic needs of low-income people, and has been a dismal failure in encouraging recipients to become independent. While we supported changes in 1988 to emphasize work in our welfare system--those reforms included so many exemptions that the incentives to work were seriously undermined. Those reforms did not do enough to help us distinguish those who had fallen on hard times and needed a helping hand from those who simply refused to act in a disciplined and responsible manner. When welfare is a Federal entitlement, it is very difficult to make that distinction. The legislation before us today will put welfare recipients on notice that their time on the system is limited. We are offering them assistance with child care, health care, and training to become self- sufficient.”