[20010207]RS20807_1996年福利改革法简史.pdf

Congressional Research Service ? The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20807February 7, 2001Short History of the 1996 Welfare Reform Lawname redacted and name redactedDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryThe 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (P.L.104-193) changed the face of federal-state family welfare programs and most otherfederally supported aid for the poor. Some 3 years debate followed President Clintonscall “to end welfare as we know it.” Early (1993-1994) proposals retained the existingAid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, but placed time limits onwelfare receipt not conditioned on work. In 1995, the debate shifted when the Houseapproved H.R. 4 (the Personal Responsibility Act) and created Temporary Assistance forNeedy Families (TANF) block grants to replace AFDC. This measure time-limitedwelfare receipt, added to work requirements, and expanded welfare reform to includemyriad changes in other programs like food stamps. The Senate adopted the Housestructure with notable changes affecting the grants funding structure and other matters(the Work Opportunity Act). But a House-