STATEMENT BY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
REGARDING SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF TANF LEGISLATION

I applaud the Senate Finance Committee for its work today on reauthorization legislation for the Temporary Assistance for Need Families program.

Welfare reform in America is helping people be better prepared to go out, get a job and build better lives for themselves and their families. We want to improve upon this highly successful program so we can continue to help families complete the transition from the dependence upon a welfare check to the independence of a paycheck.

We look forward to working with all members of Congress in passing a welfare reform proposal that strengthens work requirements and helps millions of formerly dependent Americans begin and continue to climb the career ladder.

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Last Revised: September 10, 2003