Bob Wise: “This motion to strike the enacting clause is important because, as this bill is very important, there is a bill coming…”

“This motion to strike the enacting clause is important because, as this bill is very important, there is a bill coming right after this welfare reform that is even more important. The concern that many of us have on this side of the aisle, and probably on both sides, is that an important area of welfare reform, the bipartisan alternative, the Castle-Tanner alternative may not be permitted to be offered as structured. Republicans and Democrats both recognize the importance of welfare reform and both sides want to get this bill to the floor today and tomorrow and to have it debated and voted on. The country demands it. But it should be pointed out, that the Republican budget resolution says that there should be 53 billion dollars' worth of savings from welfare reform. The Castle-Tanner alternative has 53 billion dollars' worth of savings. It meets that target. However, it is our understanding or perhaps lack of understanding that it may not be permitted to be offered at the $53 billion figure, that $60 billion or more may be required. That is moving the target, Mr. Chairman. So I have to take this motion to strike the enacting clause to alert members that many of us who are genuinely concerned may have to delay proceedings on this bill and other bills to make sure that the Castle-Tanner alternative has that opportunity to be offered.”