Mr. President. I regret that the conferees on the welfare reform bill have decided to report out a measure that Is shortsighted and punitive to children. the disabled. and legal immigrants. I realize that the President has indicated that he will sign this bill into law. but I have concerns. as have already been expressed by the President in his recent statement. with many of its provisions. Preliminary estimates that this measure will push an additional 1.3 million children nationwide into poverty. Once families have reached the 5year time limit for receiving assistance in this legislation. they will have no recourse for assistance if a poor economy leave them without the possibility of finding employment. Legal immigrants. including those who have been in this country for some time already. will be prevented from participating in all Federal meanstested programs. including the Food Stamp and Medicaid Programs. This measure also cuts S23 billion from the Food Stamp Program over the next 6 years. It also limits benefits for those out of work without minor children to 3 months total in a 3year period.
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immigrants