Cape News

In a recent development, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Biden's administration has withdrawn a proposed rule concerning the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The decision follows legislative actions by Congress to counteract changes that were seen as detrimental to pregnant women and children's access to essential services.

The Biden administration's proposed rule aimed at altering TANF was criticized for potentially hindering efforts by Congress to enhance the program while combating waste, fraud, and abuse. A significant point of contention was a provision that could have restricted states from allocating TANF funds to pregnancy resource centers, which provide critical support such as diapers, prenatal vitamins, transportation, and parenting classes.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith expressed his concerns: "The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program is a vital resource for millions of families... their rule could have wrongly taken TANF funding away from 2,700 pregnancy resource centers across the country which provide support and life-affirming services to 2 million women and families."

Work and Welfare Subcommittee Chairman Darin LaHood also welcomed the withdrawal: "I am pleased to see the Biden-Harris administration withdraw their misguided proposed rule for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program."

The House of Representatives had previously passed legislation designed to block parts of the Biden administration's proposal. This included H.R. 6918, known as the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, introduced by Rep. Michele Fischbach.

Congressional oversight into TANF has been robust, with hearings focusing on misuse of welfare dollars and calls for improved accountability in response to reports of misused funds.