Political Quotes

“I rise to support the welfare reform legislation pending before this body. I do so with both reluctance and hope. My reluctance stems from some very real concerns I have with this bill. First, I am concerned that we fail to give States the resources they need to do the job right. I am willing to pay more in the short term to bring about economic independence in the long term. Second, like the President, I am extremely uncomfortable with both the level of cuts to the Food Stamp Program and the severity of the restrictions on legal immigrants. We cannot simply abandon our obligation to protect the most vulnerable among us. And, finally, I am troubled by specific provisions of this bill--like the one dealing with mothers with young children who do not work because they cannot find child care. The conference lowered the age from 11 to 6--and this is wrong, Mr. President. If we want mothers to move from welfare to work, we have to ensure they have child care for their young children. I will vote for this bill believing strongly that it is not our final word on welfare reform. And I'm prepared to work with the administration and with my colleagues here in the Congress to address the concerns that I have--and that I know others have--with this legislation. But, Mr. President, like the President of the United States, I also believe strongly that the opportunity before us is one we cannot let slip away.”