Vote Brings End Of Federal Welfare Support A Step Closer

Majority Republicans rejected a Democratic alternative welfare plan Thursday that would have kept the federal government’s longstanding guarantee to support poor families. The vote was one of the last barriers to final passage of the GOP’s plan to send the responsibility for welfare to the states.

By a 228-205 vote, the House turned aside Georgia Rep. Nathan Deal’s substitute, which would also have provided training, education and jobs to single mothers on welfare. Rep. Connie Morella, R-Md., was the only lawmaker to break party ranks and side with the Democrats.

The action set up likely final passage of the GOP’s far-reaching plan Friday.

The House also voted to yank the driving and occupational licenses of parents who scorn their child support obligations as Democrats and Republicans reached a rare agreement in their bitter fight over the GOP’s welfare reform plan.

One by one, Republicans who voted against the amendment in committee took to the House floor to declare their support. “I’ve come along to your way of thinking on this,” said one, Rep. Clay Shaw of Florida.

The measure passed, 426-5, after three days of debate on the GOP’s plan to reverse 60 years of social policies and replace the federal welfare system with block grants to the states.