H.R. 8872 · On the floor · Social Welfare

Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act

What it does

Establish an upper limit on income eligibility for TANF-funded assistance and services at 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, replacing state-determined thresholds.
Require states to obligate TANF funds by the end of the fiscal year after receipt and spend them by the end of the second fiscal year, with allowance for reserving a portion for future use.
Mandate states to use federal TANF funds to supplement, not replace, state and local funding for TANF-supported programs.
Require states to track and report on improper payments, including overpayments, underpayments, and payments to ineligible recipients.

Official summary

Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act This bill limits how and when states may use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds and establishes an eligibility threshold for all TANF-funded assistance and services. Currently, each state sets its own eligibility threshold for TANF-funded cash assistance. The bill establishes an upper limit on eligibility applicable to all assistance and services (including non-cash benefits) funded by TANF family assistance grants. Under this provision, only families with income under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may receive TANF-funded assistance and services. Further, the bill generally requires states to obligate TANF funds by the end of the fiscal year after they are paid and to spend funds by the end of the second fiscal year after they are paid. However, states may reserve a specified portion of their TANF funds for future use. (There is currently no requirement to use TANF funds within a specified period.) The bill also explicitly requires states to use federal TANF funds to supplement, not replace, state and local funding for TANF-supported programs. (Current law requires states to spend a specified minimum amount…

Latest action

Jun 3, 2026: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.

Committee: House Ways and Means