What does Preamble of Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act do?

This bill amends part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. The bill aims to target funds to low-income families. It seeks to strengthen program integrity guardrails for State expenditure of funds. The bill requires measurement of improper payments. It establishes goals for eliminating fraud and improper payments under block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act.

What does STRENGTHENING PROGRAM INTEGRITY THROUGH IMPROPER PAYMENTS of Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act do?

This section amends Section 404 of the Social Security Act to extend the applicability of the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 to State programs funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. The Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 will apply to States in the same manner it applies to Federal agencies. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must submit a report to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment. The report must include a plan to reduce or eliminate improper payments made by States under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act within 10 years.

What does TARGETING FUNDS TO FAMILIES IN NEED. of Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act do?

This section amends Section 404 of the Social Security Act. States receiving grants under section 403(a)(1) are required to use the grant funds to assist families with incomes below twice the federal poverty guidelines. The poverty guidelines are updated periodically in the Federal Register under section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981.

What does DEADLINES FOR THE OBLIGATION AND EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS. of Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act do?

This section amends Section 404(e) of the Social Security Act. States must obligate funds within the end of the succeeding fiscal year. States must expend funds within the end of the 2nd succeeding fiscal year. A State can reserve up to 15% of funds for future use. The total amount held in reserve cannot exceed 50% of the previous year's funding.

What does PROHIBITION ON STATE DIVERSION OF FEDERAL FUNDS TO REPLACE of Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act do?

This section amends the Social Security Act to restrict the use of federal funds. States are required to use federal funds to supplement, rather than replace, state and local funding for programs. The amendment prohibits the use of federal funds to supplant state or non-federal funds. States must certify that federal funds will not be used to supplant state or non-federal funds.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act do?

This Act amends part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. The amendments target funds to low-income families. The Act strengthens program integrity guardrails for State expenditure of funds. It requires measurement of improper payments. The Act establishes goals for eliminating fraud and improper payments under block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families. The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 2027.

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Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act

Last updated: 6/3/2026 · Introduced: 5/19/2026

Author: Mike Carey (R-OH)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill requires states receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grants to use those funds to assist families with incomes below twice the federal poverty guidelines.
States must obligate TANF funds within one fiscal year and expend them within two fiscal years, with limited allowances for fund reserves.
The bill prohibits states from using federal TANF funds to replace existing state or local funding for programs, requiring certification of this commitment.

119th Congresspassed houseHR. 2242(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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