Smith Reintroduces Legislation Directing Support to Families Most in Need

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) reintroduced legislation to ensure federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds are used to help the neediest Americans. The bill, the Targeting TANF to Families in Need Act, would direct states to ensure TANF assistance is targeted toward families with a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. Currently no federal eligibility limits for TANF exist.

The congressman released the following statement:

"TANF is intended to provide assistance to the neediest Americans while also offering them the resources they need to connect with employment and be successful in the workforce,” said Rep. Smith. “This legislation ensures TANF implementation at the state level is aimed at achieving its intended goal. I look forward to working with my Ways and Means Committee colleagues to advance this bill and enhance the effectiveness of TANF programming."