Political Quotes

“Before 1996, it was evident to most Americans that the welfare system was out of control and needed immediate and meaningful reform. So in 1996, the Republican-led Congress had the courage to reform welfare, making work the centerpiece for the new law, providing a hand-up, not a handout. Since then, millions of Americans have left the welfare rolls, child poverty rolls have dropped, and the poverty rate among African Americans is at a new all-time record. Welfare reform has required millions of poor Americans to obtain employment, leading them from dependency on the government to personal independence and from low self-esteem to self-respect and self-confidence as they lifted themselves out of poverty. Mr. Speaker, now this Congress is tasked with the reauthorization of the Welfare Reform Act. We must continue our progress by strengthening the path towards independence through work. Welfare reform has given millions of Americans a second chance at the American dream, and they are achieving it. Let us not turn back the clock on these wonderful achievements.”