February 10, 2003
The Republican leadership has recently hailed TANF as a "huge success," even though welfare caseloads have increased dramatically and spending has decreased since TANF was enacted in 1997. With 42 states now facing budget deficits, state spending on welfare caseloads is only likely to decrease more. In fact, 19 states have already made cuts in services, and more are expected.
"It’s a real tragedy that the Republicans won’t allow a real and honest debate on welfare," said Lee. "As the country dips further into a recession with increasing unemployment, it is even more critical that Congress addresses the true needs of low-income families who are most acutely affected by worsening conditions."
In order to avoid debating the failures of TANF, Republican leaders have refused to have a hearing on this issue, standard procedure for most bills. Worse, the House Republican leaders plan to limit debate to two hours when the bill comes up on Thursday.
"I just don’t understand what the Republican leadership is afraid of," Lee said. "We will fight for a real debate."
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee Outraged at House Republicans’ Plans to Ram Through Welfare Reform Bill: Limited Debate and No Hearings
Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee today expressed outrage over news that the House Republican leadership plans to bring legislative reauthorization of the Temporary Access to Needy Families Act (TANF), or Welfare Reform, directly to the House floor this week. In so doing, they are bypassing Committee hearings and limiting floor debate.The Republican leadership has recently hailed TANF as a "huge success," even though welfare caseloads have increased dramatically and spending has decreased since TANF was enacted in 1997. With 42 states now facing budget deficits, state spending on welfare caseloads is only likely to decrease more. In fact, 19 states have already made cuts in services, and more are expected.
"It’s a real tragedy that the Republicans won’t allow a real and honest debate on welfare," said Lee. "As the country dips further into a recession with increasing unemployment, it is even more critical that Congress addresses the true needs of low-income families who are most acutely affected by worsening conditions."
In order to avoid debating the failures of TANF, Republican leaders have refused to have a hearing on this issue, standard procedure for most bills. Worse, the House Republican leaders plan to limit debate to two hours when the bill comes up on Thursday.
"I just don’t understand what the Republican leadership is afraid of," Lee said. "We will fight for a real debate."
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