Pearce: Law Will Help Promote Healthier Society

Statement

Today, Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement, commending Georgia Governor, Nathan Deal for signing into law legislation that requires drug testing for recipients of welfare benefits:

"This nation cares about those who are struggling with drug dependency, so we must ensure that the government is not facilitating drug abuse," said Pearce. "The American Dream is based on earning success by your own merits--to be able to say "I earned this.' By requiring those receiving government benefits to pass a drug test, we can promote true fairness and encourage earned success achieved through hard work and self reliance. Success and opportunity do not depend on money and cannot be redistributed by the government."

"Many employers require employees to pass a drug test," Pearce continued. "Requiring the same of those on government assistance not only promotes fairness, but also provides the tools to prepare them to return to the workplace."

"Americans believe in a system that helps those struggling to lift themselves up to create new opportunities. By encouraging those who are down on their luck to rejoin the workforce, we can create opportunity and reduce poverty. I applaud my good friend and former colleague, Governor Deal on signing legislation into law which rewards hard work and renews the meaning of the American Dream."

Congressman Pearce introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to require drug testing for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits (H.R. 3722) and unemployment benefits (H.R. 3615).

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