Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act
Sponsored By: Representative Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
In Committee
Summary
Tighten payment integrity for TANF funds while refocusing federal cash to low-income families under a clear income cutoff.
Show full summary
- Families: Low-income households would only be eligible for grants if their income is less than twice the poverty guidelines. This sets a clear income test for who can receive help.
- States: States would need to obligate funds by the end of the next fiscal year and spend them by the end of the second following year. They could reserve up to 15% of a fiscal year's funds for future use but total reserves could not exceed 50% of the prior year's grant, and governors must certify federal funds will not replace state spending.
- Oversight and accountability: The Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 would apply to state TANF programs in the same way it applies to federal agencies. The Health and Human Services Secretary would have 1 year to send Congress a plan to reduce improper payments within 10 years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New income cap for TANF families
If enacted, the bill would limit TANF-funded help to families whose income is less than two times the poverty guideline for their household size. This rule would apply to grants under section 403(a)(1). The change would take effect on October 1, 2027.
Stronger TANF oversight and anti-supplant
If enacted, the bill would make the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 apply to State TANF programs like it applies to federal agencies. Within one year after enactment, HHS would have to send Congress a written plan to reduce or eliminate improper TANF payments within 10 years. The bill would also ban using federal TANF funds to replace State or local spending and require the State chief executive to certify funds will not supplant other funds. These changes would take effect on October 1, 2027.
Deadlines and reserve limits for TANF funds
If enacted, the bill would require States to obligate TANF funds by the end of the next fiscal year and to spend them by the end of the second following fiscal year. States could hold back up to 15% of a year's funds for future use, but total reserves could not exceed 50% of the prior year's TANF payment to the State. States would have to notify HHS by the time the funds are normally available if they plan to reserve funds. These rules would start on October 1, 2027.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
OH • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
TX • R
Sponsored 5/19/2026
Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4]
FL • R
Sponsored 5/19/2026
Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7]
OH • R
Sponsored 5/19/2026
Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3]
NE • R
Sponsored 5/19/2026
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
NY • R
Sponsored 5/19/2026
Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]
UT • R
Sponsored 5/20/2026
Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]
WV • R
Sponsored 5/20/2026
Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4]
IA • R
Sponsored 5/20/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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