House Republicans this week introduced a resolution attempting to block changes President Obama’s directive to waive certain work requirements in the welfare reform law.
The resolution from Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.), Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-Minn.), and Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) would express congressional disapproval of the Health and Human Services rule and declare that it won’t go into effect under the Congressional Review Act.
“It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that the Obama Administration has refused to withdraw their illegal ‘guidance’ undermining the critical welfare work requirements,” said Camp. “This resolution will restore these requirements that have led to more work, higher earnings, less welfare dependence and fewer impoverished Americans. As the economy continues to struggle under the President’s policies, we must not make things worse by undoing a program that has been essential in moving individuals from welfare to work.”
“The president’s waiver scheme will roll back bipartisan welfare reforms that helped end dependency, reduce poverty, and strengthen income security for countless families,” Kline said. “We did not ask for this fight, but we will not stand by while the President runs roughshod over the law and promotes policies that will hurt families and taxpayers.”
“Strong work requirements for welfare help people get back on their feet. It’s unbelievable that the Obama administration would ignore the clear language of the law in an attempt to weaken these work requirements. The House and Senate need to pass this resolution and force President Obama to explain his history of opposition to effective welfare reform,” said Jordan.
The Government Accountability Office determined earlier this month that the waiver qualifies as a rule subject to disapproval under the Congressional Review Act.
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