Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act

U.S. Congress · HR8872 · Introduced

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Adjacency in time is shown for context; it is not evidence of cause. Funded ≠ false — see the methodology.

What the bill says

HR8872 · U.S. Congress · Introduced

Introduced 2026-05-19. Latest action: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.

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Summary (plain-language)

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 on TANF-eligible activities and populations, known as the maintenance of effort requirement.) States must also take specified steps to track and report on improper payments of federal funds (e.g., overpayments, underpayments, payments to ineligible recipients). Within one year of enactment, HHS must submit to Congress a plan to reduce or eliminate improper payments made by states under the TANF program within 10 years.

Sponsors

Text versions

  • Introduced in House — 2026-05-19 — XML
  • Reported in House — 2026-05-29 — XML

What analysts say

CBO cost estimates

  • H.R. 8872, Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act — 2026-06-01
    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 308(a) of the Congressional B…

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect to requirements of clause (3)(c)(3) of Rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has requested but not received a cost estimate for this bill from the Director of Congressional Budget Office. The Chairman of the Committee shall cause such estimate and statement to be printed in the Congressional Record upon its receipt by the Committee.

    V. OTHER MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED UNDER THE RULES OF THE HOUSE

    CBO cost-estimate text quoted from the committee report on GovInfo (public domain).

Committee reports

What politicians say

No linked claims or utterances yet — no one on record has cited this measure to justify a public argument.

Action History

DateAction
2026-06-03Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1333 Reported to House. 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.
2026-06-03Rule H. Res. 1333 passed House.
2026-06-03Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1333. (consideration: CR H3805-3810; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3805-3806)
2026-06-03Rule 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.
2026-06-03DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 8872.
2026-06-03The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2026-06-03POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.
2026-05-29Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-670.
2026-05-29Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 584.
2026-05-21Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-05-21Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 19.
2026-05-19Introduced in House
2026-05-19Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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