Speaker. I am voting for this bill because I believe it addresses many of the priorities and concerns of the American people. It sets us on a course toward a balanced budget while meeting the important needs of children. working families. and legal immigrants. The bill provides $24 billion to make sure that the most vulnerable among us. poor and uninsured children. have access to health care. This is perhaps its best feature. Using revenue from an additional tobacco tax. the bill enables States to provide Medicaid benefits for up to 5 million children who are currently uninsured. The HouseSenate conference report also undoes some of the harmful and unnecessarily harsh provisions contained in the welfare reform law. It restores disability and Medicaid for legal immigrants and extends food stamp eligibility for people making the transition from welfare to work. This bill also provides minimum benefits for refugees and asylees. These provisions help mend holes in the safety net through which children. legal immigrants. and working poor were likely to slip. This bill charts a path toward a balanced budget. Make no mistake. thoughit assumes great spending discipline on the part of future Congresses in order to meet this goal.
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