The welfare bill that's expected to pass the Senate today will undo sixty years of U.S. policy for aiding the country's poorest citizens. It eliminates the entitlement of destitute people to benefits, awarding benefits only for five years and requiring recipients to work after two years. It will hand over to states the responsibility of providing for the poor, using the criteria each state sees fit. The bill also adds restrictions to Medicaid, food stamps, and a variety of social programs. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.
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