Us Congress House Bill HB2014

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Payments for Foster Care and Permanency for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The implications of HB2014 could be profound for state laws concerning child welfare. By limiting federal funding, states may face challenges in meeting the needs of children in foster care, which could lead to increased pressure on state budgets. This bill, if passed, could lead to fewer resources for foster care services, impacting the quality of care provided to vulnerable children. Stakeholders may express concern over the ability of states to maintain or enhance services for foster children and families under such funding constraints.

Summary

House Bill 2014 seeks to impose a strict limitation on the funds allocated to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) specifically targeting the Administration for Children and Families. For the fiscal year 2024, the bill caps the available funds for Payments for Foster Care and Permanency at $6,035,000,000. This financial limitation is a significant move within federal budgetary policy, indicating a prioritization of funding in child welfare services while possibly restricting the capacity of the HHS to address growing needs within the foster care system.

Contention

The bill underscores a contentious debate regarding the adequacy of funding for child welfare programs. Supporters may argue that such caps are necessary for fiscal responsibility and to ensure government efficiency, while opponents could argue that it directly undermines the welfare of children who depend on these services. The discussions around this funding limitation center on the balance between budget management and the social obligation to provide adequate care and support for children in the foster system.