A bill that would introduce tougher welfare rules has yet to be passed by the Senate due to an impasse between Democrats and Republicans over workers? issues. Democrats want to push votes on amendments that would raise the hourly minimum wage, block changes to overtime pay and extend federal unemployment benefits. The Senate did manage to agree on a measure that would give an additional $6 billion for child care for welfare recipients and the working poor.
See "Senate at Impasse Over Workers' Issues", The New York Times, March 30, 2004