President wants stiffer welfare-to-work rules

WASHINGTON -- President Bush sought bipartisan support Thursday for his proposal to toughen work requirements on welfare recipients. His allies on Capitol Hill defended the plan in the face of Democratic attacks.

Democrats said the Bush plan would limit states' ability to design the best plan for each welfare recipient. Their efforts to modify the bill in the House were stopped by majority Republicans, who advanced legislation mirroring the White House proposal.

Appearing with a group inspired by President Clinton, Bush called on more American companies to hire those who are trying to move from welfare to work.

"There is a responsibility in America if you're running a business," Bush said. "And part of that responsibility is to give back, and one way you can give back is to hire people coming off welfare."