Peoria Standard

Congressman Darin LaHood, who chairs the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, has led a hearing regarding the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The hearing focused on findings by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) about state non-assistance spending, the need for reform, and ensuring accountability within the program.

“TANF was created nearly 30 years ago as part of the historic Republican-led welfare reforms of 1996,” stated Rep. LaHood. He emphasized the need for reauthorization and modernization of TANF to address changes in spending and improve accountability. LaHood noted the importance of targeting funding to aid vulnerable families and restoring the program to its original purpose. He remarked, “By modernizing the program, while ensuring that it continues to serve those who rely on it, we can reduce dependency and empower Americans to uplift themselves.”

During the session, LaHood questioned GAO officials, including Jeffrey Arkin, Kathryn Larin, and James Dalkin, highlighting the necessity for improved transparency and refocusing the program's aim towards supporting vulnerable populations.

Discussing child welfare spending, LaHood asked Larin for data on children in foster care funded by TANF. In response, Larin explained, “States are collecting data on the demographics of all the children they serve in their child welfare programs…even if that information is available at the state level, it’s not being reported either to the state TANF agency of HHS.”

The GAO's findings suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services needs to enhance monitoring of TANF funding by states, emphasizing improvements in fraud risk management and accountability. The analysis was initiated at the request of LaHood and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith.