HR 8872

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 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.

Bill status

Status

Passed House

Sponsor

Rep. Mike Carey [R-OH-15]

Cosponsors

8

Policy area

Social Welfare

Introduced

2026-05-19

Latest action

2026-06-03: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.

Committee referrals

• Ways and Means Committee: House · Reported By · 2026-05-29
• Ways and Means Committee: House · Markup By · 2026-05-21
• Ways and Means Committee: House · Referred To · 2026-05-19

Recent actions

• 2026-06-03: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.
• 2026-06-03: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
• 2026-06-03: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 8872.
• 2026-06-03: 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.
• 2026-06-03: 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)