Jennifer Dunn: “I commend all the people who have been active in this debate on welfare. It has been a tough long haul. We have produced…”

“I commend all the people who have been active in this debate on welfare. It has been a tough long haul. We have produced two very good bills, sent them to the President. He has vetoed both of them. We are working now to put together a bill that he will sign, and I certainly understand and appreciate the concern and the compassion of all the folks who have been involved. I like this alternative bill, but I simply believe that our original welfare bill is far better balanced and has looked at every issue with a better eye. There are three areas where I am a bit concerned, Madam Chairman, about the lay of the land on the substitute bill. First of all, it reduces earned income tax credit payments to low-income families by over $3 billion over our original bill. I am concerned about that. I think that we have been far more careful in revising the EITC and that this cuts it too much for working families. Second, this substitute continues welfare after 5 years. There needs to be an end to welfare. Sixty months is enough in most cases, and as we continue food stamps and as we continue Medicaid, I believe 5 years is enough and that the voucher system is not a good part of the substitute bill. Last, this substitute provides about $12 billion in extra welfare for noncitizens. Madam Chairman, Americans are generous people.…”