Mr. Speaker. we do need to change the welfare system. but it is cruel and meanspirited to dismantle altogether the safety net and basic services for poor families and disadvantaged children. The Republicans answer to welfare reform Is to deny basic assistance to lawful immigrants who pay Federal taxes. pit foster children against victims of domesitc violence for the same scarce funds. eliminate assistance to disabled kids. and cut programs to reduce child abuse. The reductions In basic programs for lowincome children. families. and elderly and disabled people contained in the conference agreement on welfare reform total nearly $80 billion over 7 years. compared to what the programs would cost under current law. As a result of these reductions. the legislation would increase poverty among children.
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immigrants