Rep. Carey Introduces Bill to Tighten Spending Rules and Income Limits for Welfare Programs
The House passed this bill on June 2, 2026, and it now moves to the Senate for consideration. It is unclear if the Senate will take up the bill, as many House-passed measures do not receive a vote in the Senate. The bill is currently waiting for the Senate to decide whether to move it forward.
While this bill has several Republican sponsors, changes that tighten welfare eligibility often face strong opposition from the other party in a divided Congress.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
While this bill targets TANF rather than SNAP directly, TANF and SNAP serve overlapping low-income populations. Tighter TANF spending rules and the new income cap at 200% of poverty could push some families who lose TANF eligibility to rely more heavily on SNAP and other safety net programs. The net effect depends on whether states redirect their TANF spending toward truly needy families or simply reduce overall benefits.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 8872.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8646, H.R. 7726, H.R. 7892 and H.R. 8872. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8646 under a structured rule and H.R. 7726, H.R. 7892, and H.R. 8872 under a closed rule, with one hour of general debate on each bill. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on each bill.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1333.
The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a package of bills to overhaul the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The legislation includes measures to track improper payments and ensure funds are directed toward families with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty level.
Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee moved forward with the Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act. The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Kustoff, requires states to report improper payments and limits eligibility to families earning less than double the federal poverty level.
The House Ways and Means Committee is marking up several bills to reform the TANF program, including a measure to tighten eligibility requirements and improve state accountability for improper payments following high-profile fraud scandals in states like Mississippi.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act
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