House Approves Welfare Reform Legislation
Comprehensive pro-family, pro-community welfare reform for America

May 16, 2002

WASHINGTON - Declaring its passage “key to getting Americans on the productive side of our economy,” Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve the Personal Responsibility, Work and Family Promotion Act of 2001 or H.R. 4737. The legislation increases funding for child care, expands job and training opportunities and provides states with greater authority to tailor programs to their needs. The measure passed by a vote of 229-197.

“Welfare works best when it gives recipients the work experience, training and confidence they need to get a good job,” said Dreier. “Congress is building on the 1996 reform bill lauded for helping nearly 7 million Americans get good jobs. Right now America has a shortage of nurses, teachers and high tech workers to name just a few. The opportunity and the need are there and this bill provides the assistance welfare recipients need to get these jobs.”

In 1996, Congress passed a comprehensive welfare reform bill requiring recipients to participate in work and training programs. The reform has been credited with reducing welfare caseloads by half, helping millions of Americans find good jobs. H.R. 4737 supports a continuation of historically high $4.8 billion per year Child Care and Development Block Grants and adds an additional $2 billion over five years to meet child care needs. In addition, a “state flex” provision will allow state to improve welfare programs and better coordinate services for their residents. Increasing work and training requirements, H.R. 4737 will help recipients achieve self-sufficiency.

Dreier commended Representative Deborah Pryce (R-OH) for introducing H.R. 4737. “This reform will provide families and communities across the nation with the help they need to achieve the American dream,” Dreier said.