Peoria Standard

On May 1, 2025, Congressman Darin LaHood, chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, alongside Senator Steve Daines, introduced the Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services (JOBS) for Success Act of 2025 in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to reform the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to guard against misuse and boost support for vulnerable individuals and families.

Rep. LaHood emphasized the importance of modernizing the TANF program: “It is time for Congress to modernize the TANF program to protect against fraud and ensure that the program is assisting our most vulnerable individuals and families.” He further expressed pride in introducing the bill with Senator Daines to ensure TANF funds are used effectively to help individuals reach their potential.

Senator Daines highlighted the bill’s significance in breaking the cycle of poverty: “Nobody wants to depend on the government’s help, and this bill is a crucial step in modernizing the TANF program to ensure that we’re helping families escape the cycle of poverty and equipping them for self-sufficiency.”

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith of Missouri also commented on the initiative, stating that modernizing welfare programs is a top priority: “Our efforts are to focus on the needs of low-income families and holding accountable a bureaucracy that too often fails those it is meant to serve.” He added that the JOBS for Success Act reforms will promote transparency and accountability while protecting public funds.

The JOBS for Success Act consists of multiple member bills to improve TANF by ensuring families receive the assistance they need to secure employment. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) had previously pointed out deficiencies in monitoring welfare funding and highlighted the need for better fraud management and accountability.

The act has received support from various organizations. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance praised the bill for pushing federal payments toward employment, while the National Taxpayer Union highlighted its potential to help families escape poverty. Americans for Tax Reform also backed the bill, emphasizing restored accountability and individualized plans for TANF recipients.