Extending Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program and Related Programs

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Congress debates another extension of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF.

While TANF remains a vital program to millions of Americans, and I support an extension, I am disappointed in my colleagues across the aisle for not taking the opportunity to discuss much-needed reforms to TANF, which are long overdue. In fact, since the program began in 1996, TANF has had only one true reauthorization and has been simply extended 38 times, including four times in the last 2 years since I have been in Congress.

Today, we debate another extension until September 30. However, another extension does not allow us to discuss proposals to reform TANF to help Americans get jobs needed for an independent and prosperous life.

Unlike my colleagues, Republicans have put forth such a proposal called the JOBS for Success Act. The bill expands services to connect people receiving TANF with tailored skills training and jobs. It also allows States to fund apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs, and it expands funding for work-related transportation costs and childcare. In return, the JOBS for Success Act strengthens accountability for securing a job and maintaining it.

These commonsense reforms are needed now more than ever. Under our new Tax Code, our booming economy has more jobs than workers for the first time in history: 7.5 million job openings versus 5.8 million unemployed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now is the time for people to get the support and training they need to take part in this historic economic recovery.

Reforming TANF in Congress should be a great first step toward this goal. I know this because I have seen how reforms to TANF can help those in need.

In my home State of Kansas, we allowed TANF dollars to go to the JAG program, which helps at-risk high school students graduate and get a successful career path. In Kansas, JAG has a 91 percent graduation rate and 80 percent employment rate, both above the national average for JAG students.

This one statewide reform is an example of the potential that exists if we come together to look at potential national reforms to TANF and to help families in need and give them the support they need.

Unfortunately, it appears that my colleagues across the aisle are okay with simply kicking the TANF can down the road for the 39th time without discussing the JOBS for Success Act or offering any sort of reform proposal.

As we debate this extension bill, I continue to call on my colleagues to work with us on reforming TANF and developing a full reauthorization bill, not just continuing to kick the can down the road.

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