Improve Transparency and Stability for Families and Children Act
Sponsored By: Representative Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
Introduced
Summary
Shorter deadlines for states to obligate and spend TANF funds, plus a limited reserve cap. The bill would require states to move new Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grants faster and set rules for how much they can hold for future use.
Show full summary
- States would have to obligate new TANF grants by the end of the following fiscal year and spend them within two years after that. This timing rule applies to funds paid after Oct. 1, 2026.
- States could reserve up to 15% of funds for future TANF use, but total reserves could not exceed 50% of the amount the state received in the prior fiscal year. States must notify the Secretary of the intent to reserve by the obligating deadline.
- Families and local programs could see money spent sooner or redirected because of faster spending rules and reserve limits. That could change the timing or continuity of services at the state level.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster use of TANF funds for families
If enacted, states would face deadlines for using cash assistance (TANF) dollars. They would have to obligate each year’s funds by the end of the next fiscal year. They would have to spend those funds by the end of the second succeeding fiscal year. A state could reserve up to 15% of a year’s funds for future use. But total reserves could not be more than 50% of what the state received the prior year. A state that plans to reserve money would have to notify the Secretary by the end of the obligation window. These rules would apply only to funds paid on or after October 1, 2026.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
OH • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7]
OH • R
Sponsored 3/26/2025
Kelly (PA)
PA • R
Sponsored 5/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov