119th Congress

H.R. 8872

Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act

Introduced
In committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law

Sponsor: Mike Carey(R-OH)
Introduced: May 19, 2026
Policy area: Social Welfare
Committees: House Committee on Ways and Means
Official text: Reported in House · Congress.gov page

Cosponsors (8)

Original cosponsors (5)

Added later (3)

Blake D. Moore (R-UT) · May 20, 2026
Carol D. Miller (R-WV) · May 20, 2026
Randy Feenstra (R-IA) · May 20, 2026

Summary

Summary by the Congressional Research Service· describes the “Reported to House” version

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.

Roll-call votes

No recorded votes on this bill.

Actions

Jun 3, 2026 · House
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.
Jun 3, 2026 · House
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Jun 3, 2026 · House
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 8872.
Jun 3, 2026 · 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.
Jun 3, 2026 · House
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1333. (consideration: CR H3805-3810; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3805-3806)
Jun 3, 2026 · House
Rule H. Res. 1333 passed House.
Jun 3, 2026 · House
Rules 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.
May 29, 2026 · House
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 584.
May 29, 2026 · House
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-670.
May 21, 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 19.
May 21, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
May 19, 2026 · House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
May 19, 2026
Introduced in House