Congress OKs Major Overhaul of Welfare Act

WASHINGTON —  The first major welfare overhaul since the Great Depression won final congressional approval today and was sent to the White House for President Reagan’s signature.

The House passed the five-year, $3.3-billion Family Support Act on a vote of 347 to 53 one day after the Senate gave it a ringing 96-1 endorsement. Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) was the only Senate dissenter.

The measure, which went through three names and dozens of versions during its difficult two-year journey to passage, holds out the prospect of jobs, education and self-sufficiency to poor people who otherwise could face a lifetime of dependence on government handouts.

Arguments Against Measure

Liberal detractors in the House contended that the bill treats the poor unfairly by requiring some parents to work, including some with young children. And conservative opponents claimed that it would result in more people on the rolls at the end of five years than there would be under current law.

But many in the House rose to support the bill.

“In future years this legislation may be viewed as one of the most significant actions of this Congress,” Rep. Delbert Latta (R-Ohio) said.

Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.), the leader of the reform effort, said the bill constitutes “an entire redefinition and overhaul of what we’ve come to know as our welfare system,” the first since it was established in 1935.

Cornerstone of Act

The cornerstone of the act is the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program, a large-scale work, education and training program aimed primarily at welfare mothers. Support services such as child care would be available to program participants and those moving into low-wage jobs.

Welfare will “no longer be a permanent or extended condition,” Moynihan said. Instead, he said, the new system will stress work, child support and last-resort cash supplements while encouraging the needy to get the education and training needed to avert long-term dependence.

“If it does only half of what we hope, it’s an immense step forward,” Sen. Bob Packwood (R-Ore.) said.