H.R.2354 - Restoring Temporary to TANF Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2354, the Restoring Temporary to TANF Act, aims to amend Title IV of the Social Security Act. The bill mandates that states allocate at least 25% of their TANF block grants towards core work activities. These activities include work supports, education and training, apprenticeships, short-term benefits, defined work activities, and case management for individual responsibility plans.
The goal is to ensure that TANF funds are directed towards helping needy families achieve self-sufficiency through work. The amendment is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.
This bill seeks to refocus TANF on its original intent: temporary assistance that promotes work and reduces dependency.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.2354 would change how states use TANF funds. States would be required to dedicate a significant portion of their TANF grants to work-related activities.
This could lead to increased investment in programs designed to help individuals find and retain employment. It may also result in a shift away from other types of assistance that states currently provide through TANF.
The long-term effect would be a greater emphasis on work and self-sufficiency for families receiving TANF benefits.
Potential Benefits
- Increased focus on work-related activities may lead to improved employment outcomes for TANF recipients.
- Greater investment in education, training, and apprenticeships could enhance the skills and employability of low-income individuals.
- The emphasis on individual responsibility plans may promote self-sufficiency and reduce long-term dependency on government assistance.
- By prioritizing core work activities, the bill could help ensure that TANF funds are used effectively to achieve their intended purpose.
- The set-aside for non-recurring, short-term benefits could provide immediate assistance to families facing unexpected crises.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Requiring states to allocate a specific percentage of TANF funds to core work activities may limit their flexibility to address other needs of low-income families.
- Some states may struggle to meet the 25% requirement, particularly if they have a high proportion of families with significant barriers to employment.
- The bill could lead to a reduction in other types of assistance, such as childcare or transportation, that are essential for helping families escape poverty.
- The effectiveness of the bill will depend on the quality and availability of work-related programs and services in each state.
- There is a risk that the focus on work activities could neglect the needs of families who are unable to work due to disability, illness, or caregiving responsibilities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of needy families by encouraging work and self-sufficiency. The bill falls under Congress's power to tax and spend for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. Mandating how states spend block grant money could be seen as infringing on state autonomy.
The degree of alignment depends on how strictly the Tenth Amendment is interpreted in relation to federal spending powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).