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H.R. 2940 – TANF Extension: No

H.R. 2940 – TANF Extension: No. The "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families" program, or TANF, replaced the old food stamp program as part of the 1996 welfare reform act. It introduced strict work requirements for able-bodied recipients and was instrumental in getting people back to work and reducing the welfare rolls. Unfortunately, those work requirements have largely disappeared over the years. Last session, the Ways and Means Committee reported, "The focus on work has been lost, and states have become very complacent with not engaging families on the program. In fact, 20 states have an effective work participation rate of zero – meaning they are not expected to engage any families in work or work preparation." I will not support extension of this program without reforms to restore its original purpose.