Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB323

Introduced
1/12/23  
Refer
1/12/23  
Refer
1/20/23  
Refer
2/1/23  
Refer
2/21/23  

Caption

People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act or the People CARE Act This bill establishes the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission within the legislative branch to review federal means-tested welfare programs. Means-tested welfare programs are those designed to specifically provide assistance exclusively to low-income Americans. The commission shall review all federal means-tested programs, excluding various specified programs such as the Social Security benefits program, Medicare, and Department of Veterans Affairs-administered programs. The commission's review shall cover topics including (1) ways to make the benefits programs more efficient and streamlined, (2) opportunities to reduce costs by contracting with private entities or delegating to states, (3) any programs that should be subject to discretionary appropriations, and (4) changes to allow caseworkers to have a holistic view of the beneficiary. The commission shall report its findings to Congress, and the report shall include proposed legislation to carry out the commission's recommendations. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate majority leader shall introduce the proposed legislation in their respective chambers. The proposed legislation shall be considered under certain expedited procedures, such as limitations on debate.

Impact

If enacted, the commission's review will focus on identifying potential consolidations and eliminations of less effective welfare programs, ensuring that resources are directed efficiently to those in need. This could significantly change the landscape of social services in the U.S., as it aims to address not only the financial assistance provided but also the integration of support services aimed at tackling the root causes of poverty. The expected outcomes include better employment rates and socio-economic mobility for beneficiaries, ultimately leading to a reduced dependency on federal support.

Summary

House Bill 323, also known as the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act, aims to establish the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission. This commission will be responsible for reviewing existing federal means-tested welfare programs, which are specifically intended to assist low-income Americans. The bill emphasizes improving the structure and efficiency of these programs by promoting a holistic approach to welfare and social services. By streamlining means-tested programs, the bill seeks to enable individuals to transition off of government assistance and achieve self-sufficiency through increased employment and educational opportunities.

Contention

The bill may encounter opposition from advocates who are concerned about potential cuts to welfare programs and the impact of any consolidations on vulnerable populations. Critics could argue that streamlining may lead to reduced resources for those who depend on existing welfare programs, especially if certain programs are eliminated without adequate replacements. The establishment of the commission and its findings will be pivotal, as it will determine the future landscape of welfare reform and define how effectively the government can foster social mobility while addressing poverty.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB150

People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act or the People CARE ActThis bill establishes the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission within the legislative branch to review federal means-tested programs for potential reform.Under the bill, means-tested programs are those designed to provide assistance to low-income individuals, including, for example, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The commission is generally directed to review all federal means-tested programs with the exception of certain specified programs, including Social Security, Medicare, and certain veterans’ benefits programs.The commission is directed to identify and evaluate potential changes to federal means-tested programs, such as consolidation with other programs, delegation of certain functions to states, and the establishment of gradual benefit reductions tied to increases in beneficiaries’ income. The commission is also directed to consider changes that would allow caseworkers to identify all of the appropriate programs for individuals and families. The commission must establish a website through which members of the public may submit suggested reforms for consideration. The commission is to be comprised of eight members, with an equal number of members appointed by the majority and minority parties.  At the conclusion of its term, the commission must report to Congress with its findings and proposed legislation implementing any recommended changes. Congress must consider the legislation under expedited procedures.

US HB281

Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2023 This bill establishes a temporary commission within the legislative branch to provide Congress with recommendations and proposed legislation to ensure the solvency of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (commonly referred to as the Social Security trust funds) for at least 75 years. The bill also sets out expedited procedures for the consideration of legislation proposed by the commission. The commission terminates within 60 days of providing its recommendations and proposed legislation.

US HR36

Finding Federal Savings Committee Resolution This resolution establishes the House Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs to analyze underperforming or nonessential federal programs and recommend actions to modify or eliminate those programs. The resolution also establishes expedited procedures for legislation reported by the committee to eliminate programs or rescind funding. The committee shall cease to exist at the end of the 120th Congress.

US HB878

Katrina and Leslie Schaller ActThis bill extends the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to include Guam. (SSI is a federal assistance program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet their basic needs. Guam has been excluded from SSI since Congress created the program in 1972.)Under the bill, the Social Security Administration may waive or modify statutory requirements relating to the provision of SSI benefits as necessary to adapt the program to the needs of Guam.The bill also eliminates an existing cap on payments to Guam under SSI, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and other assistance programs.   

US HB485

Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023 This bill prohibits all federal health care programs, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and federally funded state health care programs (e.g., Medicaid) from using prices that are based on quality-adjusted life years (i.e., measures that discount the value of a life based on disability) to determine relevant thresholds for coverage, reimbursements, or incentive programs.

US HB411

Lead by Example Act of 2023 This bill provides that, beginning January 3, 2025, the only health care plan the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff shall be health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). By September 15, 2023, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit to Congress a plan to carry out this bill, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

US HB204

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act This bill requires the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs to subject individuals to substance-abuse screening and to deny benefits for individuals who test positive for a controlled substance.

US HB104

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

US HB149

Lead by Example Act of 2025This bill provides that, beginning January 3, 2027, the only health care plan the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff shall be health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).By September 15, 2025, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit to Congress a plan to carry out this bill, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

US HB222

Sustainable Budget Act of 2025This bill establishes the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform within the legislative branch to identify policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and achieve fiscal sustainability over the long term.The commission must propose recommendations that (1) are designed to balance the budget, excluding interest payments on the debt, within 10 years; and (2) meaningfully improve the long-term fiscal outlook, including changes to address the growth of entitlement spending and the gap between projected federal revenues and expenditures.Congress must consider the commission's recommendations using specified expedited legislative procedures.

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