Tanf Extension Act of 2019

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 430, the TANF Extension Act of 2019, which will end the lapse in the TANF program.

For my home State of Missouri, and specifically my district, temporary assistance is a vital lifeline of resources for families. I represent one of the most economically distressed regions in the country and the poorest congressional district in Missouri. In my State, more than 20,000 people and nearly 10,000 families currently rely on TANF.

Mr. Speaker, we need to reauthorize this program. Since TANF was created in 1996, funding for the program had never lapsed like this, until now. Federal funding of TANF has now lapsed for 2 full weeks.

TANF has never been tied to a border security debate before, and it shouldn't be now. Mr. Speaker, 20,000 people in Missouri need TANF for a hand up to get out of poverty and back to work.

Tax reform created a roaring economy, but our job is not done. Americans are no longer asking ``Where are the jobs?'' Instead, employers are asking ``Where are the workers?''

When I meet with farmers and small business owners in southern Missouri, they tell me they desperately need more workers.

We have an economy that is built for growth, but millions of Americans are on the sidelines. That is why we need the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to refocus on the outcome of work.

I hope that, during the 6-month extension provided by this bill, my friends on the other side of the aisle will work with us to improve the focus of TANF on outcomes so we can stop only measuring the process. Let's work together to build on the efforts from last Congress so we can help families become self-sufficient through work.

There is pride in work, and a job is the best way out of poverty. When individuals and parents work full-time, the poverty rate drops to just 3 percent.

American taxpayers contribute billions of dollars every year to support those who are in need. It is our responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used in the most effective way possible. That is why we must reauthorize this program immediately and why I have pushed for reforms.

House Republicans want every person on TANF who is work eligible to have an individual plan for how to get back into the workforce. The new goal isn't to get someone into a job for 2 weeks. The new goal is to get them into a job and keep them there so they can start their career and build a better life.

That means we want to surround Americans with more support to allow them to build their lives, like childcare and transportation. That is what we will continue to push for as we work on a longer extension.

What has become clear is that we can do a lot better to address the needs of those struggling to get ahead. With this bill, we renew the program and set the stage to make additional reforms we know are needed to expand the opportunity so that everyone can benefit from strong economic growth.

Reforming TANF to improve the lives of more American families must be our priority, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to complete this reauthorization.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 430, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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