Contact Congress about H.R. 8872: Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act

States would have to use TANF money for lower-income families and track wrong payments more closely. They would also face new deadlines for spending the money and limits on how much they can save for later.

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Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act is a House bill on the floor. The latest recorded action: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.

Latest action on H.R. 8872: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 8872 is postponed.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects low-income families, state TANF agencies, and state budget officials. Families could see changes in who qualifies for TANF-funded help. State agencies would have to track payments more closely and use funds faster. State leaders would also have to prove that federal TANF money adds to their own spending instead of replacing it.

Why this matters: This bill could change who gets TANF-funded help and how fast states must use the money. Today, states have broad freedom in how they run TANF programs. This bill would narrow that freedom by adding income limits, payment checks, spending deadlines, reserve caps, and rules against replacing state money with federal money. The effects would depend on each state’s current TANF rules and budget choices.

Key provisions in H.R. 8872

• States would have to follow federal improper payment rules for TANF. The Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 would treat states like federal agencies for this purpose.
• Health and Human Services would have to give Congress a plan within 1 year. The plan must aim to reduce or end improper state TANF payments within 10 years.
• States could use TANF basic block grant money only for families below 200% of the federal poverty line.
• States would have to commit new TANF basic grant funds by the end of the next budget year. They would have to fully spend the money by the end of the year after that.
• States could save up to 15% of each year’s TANF basic grant for later. Their total TANF savings could not be more than 50% of the prior year’s basic grant.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 8872

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 8872

What is H.R. 8872?

States would have to use TANF money for lower-income families and track wrong payments more closely. They would also face new deadlines for spending the money and limits on how much they can save for later.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 8872?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 8872?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 8872 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.