H.R.878 - Katrina and Leslie Schaller Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 878, the Katrina and Leslie Schaller Act, proposes to extend the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to Guam. This involves amending sections of the Social Security Act to include Guam in the definition of "state" for SSI purposes and removing limitations on payments to Guam under certain programs.
The bill also grants the Commissioner of Social Security the authority to waive or modify statutory requirements to adapt the SSI program to the specific needs of Guam. The effective date is set for the first day of the first federal fiscal year that begins one year or more after the enactment of the Act.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to provide SSI benefits to eligible residents of Guam. This would likely increase the financial support available to low-income individuals and families in Guam, potentially improving their standard of living. It also necessitates adjustments to the Social Security Act to accommodate this expansion.
Potential Benefits
- Extends financial assistance to vulnerable populations in Guam through the SSI program.
- Potentially reduces poverty and improves the quality of life for eligible individuals and families in Guam.
- Allows for tailored implementation of the SSI program in Guam through waiver authority, addressing specific local needs.
- Could stimulate the local economy in Guam through increased spending by SSI recipients.
- Promotes social equity by including Guam in a federal program available to other US territories and states.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending on the SSI program, potentially impacting the federal budget.
- Administrative costs associated with implementing and managing the SSI program in Guam.
- Potential for fraud or abuse within the SSI program, requiring robust oversight and enforcement mechanisms.
- Possible need for additional resources and infrastructure in Guam to support the implementation of the program.
- May create dependency on government assistance if not implemented with appropriate work incentives and support services.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact laws that "promote the general Welfare." The extension of SSI to Guam can be seen as an effort to provide for the well-being of residents in a U.S. territory.
Congress has the power to make all needful rules and regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2). This clause provides a basis for extending federal programs to Guam.
However, the bill does not appear to raise any significant constitutional concerns related to individual rights or the separation of 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).