Speech #1040242363

I have twice before voted against proposals which went too far and hurt children. I have many concerns about the underlying welfare reform plan. I would like to see Congress increase resources for moving people into the work force. less dramatic cuts in the eligibility of legal immigrants for some programs. and vouchers for children whose parents are ineligible for cash benefits. But the underlying bill includes significant improvements over the bills the President vetoed. It provides an additional $4 billion for child care. removes the earlier bills spending caps on food stamps. and increases the minimum required spending by States to 80 percent of fiscal 1994 levels.