Recently in Washington

Last week, the House passed the Preserving Work Requirements for Welfare Programs Act of 2013 which prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from waiving work requirements in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.  The bill also extends TANF through 2013 at baseline levels.  The House also passed the Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act which reforms the nation’s workforce development system, including the streamlining of duplicative job training programs. It maintains the same level of funding for job training programs. Congressman Simpson supported both bills, which both passed the House.

Simpson Supports Bill to Preserve Welfare for Work Requirements

Congressman Simpson last week supported H.R. 890, the Preserving Work Requirements for Welfare Programs Act of 2013.  This bill would extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and reject “guidance” issued by the Obama Administration last year to allow states to waive work requirements for welfare recipients.  The bill passed the House 246 to 181.   

The issue became embroiled in controversy last July when the Department of Health and Human Services announced it would grant waivers to states from the requirement that about half of those families receiving benefits from TANF have one or more family members either enrolled in job training or employed and working.   

“TANF is an important program for many families in Idaho and across the country,” Simpson said. “It helps families emerge off welfare programs and begin working, saving, paying taxes into the system, and contributing back to society.” 

Under current law, states have the ability to strengthen welfare-to-work programs, waivers are needed only to weaken current work requirements.

“The Administration claims to be offering more flexibility to states to design programs, but allowing for the possibility of softer work requirements is not the direction Americans want these programs to go,” said Simpson.  “If anything we should strengthen work requirements, and I hope Congress can work in a bipartisan fashion to reauthorize TANF, close loopholes, and improve the program.”

Committee Schedule

Tuesday
At 10:00 a.m., the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding the Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management.  Acting Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management Dave Huizenga will testify.  

At 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations is scheduled to hold a hearing titled “Top Management Challenges at the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education: Perspectives from the IG’s.”

At 1:30 p.m., Chairman Simpson is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding Indian Health Services at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Director of Indian Health Services, Dr. Yvette Roubideaux will testify.  

Wednesday
At 10:00 a.m., the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled “Major Construction Projects at the Department of Energy.” 

At 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations will hold an oversight hearing regarding Children’s Mental Health.  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) Administrator Pamela Hyde will testify.

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, MARCH 18TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 pm.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.Con.Res. 18 - Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service (Sponsored by Rep. Lou Barletta / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

2) H.Con.Res. 19 - Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby (Sponsored by Rep. Steny Hoyer / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH, AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

On Friday, no votes are expected.

H.Con.Res. __ - Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2014 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan / Budget Committee)

H.Res. 115 - Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress (Privileged Resolution) (Sponsored by Rep. Candice Miller / House Administration Committee)

Possible Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 933 - Department of Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Hal Rogers / Appropriations Committee)